There are strong indications that President Bola Tinubu may remove some controversial names from the recently approved presidential pardon list following widespread public criticism.
The pardon list, endorsed by the Council of State and presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has sparked outrage over the inclusion of several high-profile and violent offenders.
The presidential pardon, which is traditionally issued during national events to decongest correctional centres and promote reconciliation, was based on recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy chaired by the Attorney-General.
According to the Presidency, beneficiaries were grouped into six categories:
- Those granted full pardon.
- Posthumous pardons (including the Ogoni Nine).
- Victims of the Ogoni Nine honoured.
- Recipients of presidential clemency.
- Inmates recommended for reduced sentences.
- Death row inmates whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
However, the decision has reignited concerns about the transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s pardon process.
Fagbemi, speaking on Thursday, clarified that the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy announced by the President was still under review and not yet finalised.
Sources revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other key security agencies had objected to the release of certain individuals, insisting that some names were “smuggled in” without due process.
At the Council of State meeting on October 9, 2025, Fagbemi had listed several categories of offenders among the 175 convicts and former convicts granted clemency — including illegal miners, white-collar criminals, drug offenders, and capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2017 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
While some names, such as Herbert Macaulay and Farouk Lawan, drew little controversy, others linked to violent crimes triggered public backlash. Notably, Sanda’s inclusion divided opinion — while some of her late husband’s family members opposed the pardon, others, including both families, later accepted it during a joint press briefing.
Other names on the list include Major S. Alabi Akubo, convicted for illegal firearm possession, and Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, a notorious kidnap kingpin whose operations spanned multiple states including Delta, Edo, and Rivers.
Security and anti-graft agencies have reportedly urged the Presidency to revise the list, warning that releasing some convicts could endanger national security and undermine ongoing efforts against crime and corruption.
A senior security official confirmed that “some of the proposed beneficiaries can never be released,” particularly those convicted of killing security officers or engaging in kidnapping. Another insider alleged that “some low-level officers” manipulated the list, adding names that had not passed proper vetting.
According to a source within an anti-graft agency, the ICPC and the police have also raised concerns, saying the list includes convicts who did not meet the criteria for clemency.
List Under Review
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, Fagbemi reaffirmed that the clemency process remained under review and that no inmate had yet been released.
He explained that after Council of State approval, the next step involves issuing formal instruments of pardon for each beneficiary — a process that allows for final verification before submission to the Controller-General of Corrections.
“This review stage ensures that all names and recommendations meet established legal and procedural standards,” the Attorney-General said.
Fagbemi appreciated Nigerians for their vigilance and constructive criticism, describing it as a reflection of the public’s deep concern for justice and good governance.
“There is no delay in the process,” he said. “We are simply following the law to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy. Once all checks are completed, the public will be informed. The rule of law does not rush — it guarantees
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