The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has clarified that neither Maryam Sanda nor any of the 81 inmates recently approved for Presidential Clemency has been released from custody.
The clarification followed public outrage after the announcement of the administration’s move to release convicts sentenced to death or life imprisonment for offences such as murder, drug trafficking, and illegal mining.
In a statement on Thursday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who chaired the committee that recommended the clemency, said the process is still undergoing its final administrative review.
He emphasised that all approvals remain subject to verification and compliance with legal requirements before any release document can be issued.
“No inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody,” the statement read.
“The process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.”
According to the AGF, the last phase of the exercise, following approval by the Council of State, involves the issuance of the official instrument authorising implementation.
This stage, he said, provides a “final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any,” before it is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action.
He added that the verification process is not a delay but part of the government’s standard protocol to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability.
“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy,” Fagbemi stated.
“As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”
Fagbemi also praised the public for its vigilance, noting that citizen oversight helps strengthen institutional accountability.
“Public engagement is always welcome, as it demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance,” he said.
Background
Last week, President Tinubu granted clemency to 175 Nigerians, including those convicted of murder and drug-related offences, under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise, after the Council of State’s approval.
Nearly 145 of the beneficiaries were drawn from various custodial centres nationwide after a review by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM).
The prerogative of mercy, provided under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, or commute sentences of individuals convicted under federal law.
However, concerns were raised by sections of the public and human rights advocates over the inclusion of certain high-profile convicts and the criteria for granting the pardon.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said granting clemency to individuals convicted of serious crimes weakens public confidence in the justice system and “emboldens criminality.”
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the decision as an abuse of the presidential power of mercy, calling it “a national disgrace.”
Several human rights groups and civic organisations have also commented on the issue.
Do you think the government should revoke the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda and others? Share your thoughts in the comments.
