Abuja, October 16, 2025 – In a bid to dispel growing rumors and address mounting public concerns, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has issued a detailed clarification stating that no inmates have been released under the recently announced Presidential Pardon Exercise. The minister emphasized that the process is still in its final administrative stages, undergoing rigorous reviews to ensure full compliance with legal standards. This announcement comes at a time when the initiative has sparked widespread debate across Nigeria, highlighting the delicate balance between executive mercy and the imperatives of justice.
In a personally signed statement released on Thursday evening, Fagbemi provided a step-by-step breakdown of the ongoing procedures, underscoring the government's unwavering commitment to transparency and due process. "It is important to note that the last stage of the exercise, after approval by the Council of State, is the issuance of the instrument for the implementation of the decision concerning each beneficiary," the minister stated. He further explained that this critical phase involves a "final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any," before the official document is transmitted to the Controller-General of Corrections for execution.
This meticulous verification process, Fagbemi assured, is not a sign of delay but a deliberate adherence to the rule of law. "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. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness," he declared. The minister's words serve as a reminder of the constitutional framework governing such pardons under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to exercise prerogative of mercy on the advice of the Council of State. This authority, while broad, is tempered by mandatory procedural safeguards to prevent abuse and uphold public trust.
Background: The Controversial List and Public Backlash
To fully appreciate the significance of Fagbemi's clarification, it is essential to revisit the origins of the Presidential Pardon Exercise. Earlier this month, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a gesture aimed at alleviating prison overcrowding and promoting rehabilitation, forwarded a comprehensive list of offenders to the Council of State for ratification. The list, comprising both living and deceased individuals, included recommendations for outright pardons, sentence reductions, and conditional releases. Among the notable names was Maryam Sanda, a convicted murderer whose inclusion ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Sanda's case, which dates back to 2018, remains one of the most polarizing in recent Nigerian legal history. Convicted by the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the gruesome murder of her husband, Biamila Jerome Yerima—a son of prominent businessman Ahmed Yerima—she was sentenced to death by hanging. The crime, described in court documents as a "barbaric and gruesome act," involved Sanda stabbing her husband over 20 times in a fit of jealous rage, allegedly fueled by infidelity suspicions. Her death sentence, upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2020, symbolized the judiciary's firm stance against gender-based violence and domestic homicide.
The revelation that Sanda's name appeared on the pardon list—despite her ongoing appeals and the heinous nature of her offense—drew sharp criticism from civil society groups, women's rights advocates, and the general public. Organizations like the Nigerian Feminist Forum and the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) condemned the decision as a "slap in the face of justice victims." Social media platforms erupted with hashtags such as #NoPardonForSanda and #JusticeForYerima, amassing over 500,000 posts in 48 hours. Legal experts, including Professor Yemi Osinbajo's former aide, Mrs. Funmi Falana (SAN), argued that pardoning Sanda could undermine deterrence against violent crimes, particularly those perpetrated by women in intimate relationships.
Public outrage was further amplified by reports of other contentious inclusions: deceased offenders whose families stood to benefit from cleared records, and individuals convicted of economic sabotage during the 2023 fuel subsidy scandal. Critics, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), petitioned the National Assembly, demanding an audit of the selection criteria. "This pardon exercise risks eroding public confidence in the justice system if not handled with utmost transparency," SERAP's executive director, Adedayo Alabi, stated in a press release.
Government’s Response: A Blueprint for Transparency
Fagbemi's statement directly addresses these concerns, positioning the review process as a bulwark against errors. He detailed how interdisciplinary teams—comprising lawyers from the Ministry of Justice, representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, and independent auditors—are cross-verifying each beneficiary's eligibility. This includes confirming vital statuses (to exclude the deceased unless posthumous), reviewing conviction records for procedural flaws, and assessing post-conviction behavior. For high-profile cases like Sanda's, additional scrutiny involves consultations with victims' families and appellate courts.
The minister praised the role of public scrutiny in refining the process. "Constructive feedback continues to strengthen institutional integrity. Public engagement is always welcome, as it demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance," Fagbemi noted. This inclusive approach echoes successful pardon exercises in other jurisdictions, such as the United States' clemency reforms under President Biden, where public input led to a 30% rejection rate of initial recommendations.
Beyond the immediate clarification, Fagbemi's address signals broader reforms within Nigeria's justice sector. The pardon exercise aligns with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes decongesting the nation's 244 custodial centers housing over 76,000 inmates—many awaiting trial for minor offenses. Statistics from the Nigerian Correctional Service indicate that 70% of inmates are pre-trial detainees, exacerbating overcrowding and human rights abuses. By pardoning eligible non-violent offenders and reducing sentences for others, the government aims to free up resources for rehabilitation programs, including vocational training and mental health support.
Implications for Justice and Governance
The unfolding pardon saga underscores the tensions inherent in wielding executive mercy in a democracy. On one hand, it humanizes the justice system, offering second chances to reformed individuals and easing the burden on taxpayers—estimated at ₦1.2 billion annually for prison maintenance. On the other, it risks perceptions of favoritism, especially in a country where elite impunity is a perennial grievance. Fagbemi's assurance that "no release orders have been issued" provides temporary respite, but the final list's publication will be a litmus test for Tinubu's administration.
Legal scholars anticipate that the exercise could influence upcoming Supreme Court rulings on related matters, such as the validity of state pardons. Moreover, it has spurred legislative interest: bills proposing a Pardon Review Commission are already under consideration in the House of Representatives.
As Nigeria watches closely, Fagbemi's clarion call for patience and trust resonates. "The President's mercy is not arbitrary; it is a tool for national healing, wielded with precision," he concluded. With the verification phase expected to wrap up within two weeks, the nation braces for a list that could redefine mercy in the 21st century.
In the words of the minister, this is not just about releasing inmates—it's about releasing Nigeria from the shackles of an overburdened justice system. As public discourse continues, one thing is clear: the conversation on clemency has elevated the discourse on governance, proving that when citizens engage, justice evolves.
