The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has clarified that none of the inmates listed for clemency under the President’s recent exercise of the prerogative of mercy have been released.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Fagbemi explained that the list is still undergoing a final administrative review to ensure compliance with all legal and procedural requirements before any release order is signed.
According to him, “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.”
Fagbemi noted that the final stage of the process, following approval by the Council of State, involves issuing instruments that formalize the decision for each beneficiary. He added that this phase allows for a last review “for remedial purposes, if any,” before forwarding the documents to the Controller-General of Corrections for implementation.
He emphasized that the verification step is a standard protocol designed to uphold 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. Public engagement is always welcome, as it demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance,” the statement continued.
Fagbemi further assured that there is no delay in the process, stressing that “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.”
