No inmate released yet under presidential pardon – AGF Fagbemi

Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s prerogative of mercy has been released.

In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, Fagbemi explained that the process is at its final administrative stage, which involves a review to ensure that all names and recommendations meet legal and procedural requirements before any release is authorised.

According to the AGF, after approval by the Council of State, the next step is the issuance of an official instrument authorising implementation.

This stage allows for final verification and corrections before the list is sent to the Controller-General of Corrections for execution.

“This verification process is part of standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to due process,” the statement read.

Fagbemi acknowledged public interest in the matter, noting that citizen vigilance and feedback help strengthen institutional processes.

“Public engagement shows that Nigerians care about justice and governance,” he added.

The AGF emphasised that the process is not delayed, and that all actions are being taken in line with the law.

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“There is no delay; the process is simply following legal procedures to ensure that only qualified individuals benefit from the President’s mercy. Once all checks are complete, the public will be informed. The rule of law ensures fairness, not speed,” he said.

The exercise of the prerogative of mercy is a constitutional power granted to the President under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), allowing the granting of clemency to deserving inmates based on legal recommendations.