Last Thursday, President Bola Tinubu granted presidential
pardon and other forms of clemency to 175 persons, following the approval of
the council of state.

Among the 175 beneficiaries are Herbert Macaulay, one of
Nigeria’s foremost nationalists; Farouk Lawan, a former member of the house of
representatives; and Mamman Vatsa, a major general and poet executed in 1986
over alleged treason.

Drug offenders, illegal miners, white-collar convicts, and
foreigners are also among recipients of the presidential pardon.

The presidential pardon list elicited mixed reactions, as
some Nigerians argued that some of the people on the list should not have been
pardoned considering the magnitude of the offence.

One such person granted clemency is Maryam Sanda, the woman
who was sentenced to death by hanging for stabbing Bilyamin Mohammed Bello, her
husband, to death.

In a statement on Thursday, Fagbemi said none of the inmates
who were granted clemency has been released, adding that there are stages
involved in the process.

The AGF said at the final administrative stage, the names
and recommendations in the list will be reviewed to ensure that they “fully
comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument
of release is issued”.

“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 statement reads.

“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.

“This verification process is part of the standard protocol
and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.

“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and
Minister of Justice appreciates the public’s vigilance and constructive
feedback, which continue to strengthen institutional integrity.

“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. 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.”