The Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise. It said the process is still undergoing final administrative review.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. He explained that the exercise remains at the stage of verifying and reviewing the list of beneficiaries before any release can take place.
President Bola Tinubu had recently granted a pardon to Sir Herbert Macaulay and 174 others, following the approval of the Council of State. The list also includes Ken Saro-Wiwa, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and Maryam Sanda, among others.
Fagbemi said although the Council of State approved the clemency recommendations, the final phase requires detailed scrutiny to ensure all names meet legal and procedural standards.
He noted that “no inmate approved for clemency has been released from custody,” adding that the final administrative stage involves standard verification before the instrument of release is issued.
According to him, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service will only be authorised to act once the process is fully concluded.
The minister stressed that the review phase is not a delay but a reflection of government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and the rule of law.
Fagbemi thanked Nigerians for their interest in the process, describing such engagement as proof of citizens’ dedication to justice and good governance.
He assured that the public would be informed once all checks are complete, saying, “The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”
