Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has stated that none of the inmates recently pardoned by President Bola Tinubu have been released from prison.
Fagbemi clarified that although the presidential prerogative of mercy had been approved by the Council of State, the process was still ongoing and had not yet reached completion.
In a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen on Thursday, the Justice Minister assured Nigerians that the exercise was still under legal and administrative review to ensure due process.
He said, “The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody.
“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.
“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.
“This stage affords an opportunity for a final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action,” he said.
The Justice Minister further stated that the verification process was not a delay but a reflection of the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.
“This verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence,” he noted.
“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,” he added.
Politics Nigeria recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently granted clemency to 175 convicts and ex-convicts, including individuals convicted of serious offences such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and murder.
The move that has sparked widespread public debate and criticism over the selection of beneficiaries.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
