Presidential Pardon

By Muhammad Abubakar

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn clemency earlier granted to Maryam Sanda and other convicts of serious offences following a review of the federal pardon list.

Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, was among those removed from the list after consultations with the Council of State and public feedback.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the review was guided by the gravity of certain crimes, public sensitivity, and the need to uphold justice for victims and society.

Offenders convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were also excluded from the clemency list.

President Tinubu further ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy to the Federal Ministry of Justice and directed the Attorney-General to issue new guidelines for future exercises.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has clarified that no inmates have been released under the recent presidential pardon, as the process is still undergoing a final administrative review.

In a press statement on October 16, 2025, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated that the exercise is at its last stage to ensure full compliance with legal and procedural requirements.

The clarification comes amid public speculation regarding the implementation of the clemency approved by the President following the Council of State’s endorsement.

Fagbemi explained that the final step involves issuing the formal instruments for the release of each beneficiary.

This stage, he noted, allows for a final verification of the list to correct any potential errors before the documents are sent to the Controller-General of Corrections for action.

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

He reiterated that the process is not delayed but is meticulously following the law to ensure only duly qualified individuals benefit.

“The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” Fagbemi said, adding that the public would be duly informed once all checks are concluded.

The Minister also appreciated the public’s vigilance, noting that such engagement strengthens institutional integrity and demonstrates a collective care for justice and good governance.