Presidential Pardon: AGF Orders Multi-Agency Review Of List
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has directed a multi-agency review of the controversial presidential pardon list recently released by the Federal Government.
The move, according to findings by The PUNCH, followed growing concerns over the inclusion of certain names alleged to have been “smuggled” into the list by some low-level officers of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy.
Fagbemi reportedly mandated top security and anti-corruption agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the police to conduct a comprehensive background check on all nominees.
A senior official in the Ministry of Justice confirmed to PUNCH that the review is still ongoing, noting that the process is designed to ensure transparency and prevent the release of individuals who do not meet the set criteria.
“The Office of the Attorney General has circulated the list to all relevant agencies for proper vetting. The review aims to maintain due diligence and integrity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive,” the official stated.
President Tinubu had earlier, at the Council of State meeting held on October 9, 2025, granted clemency to 175 persons convicted of various offences, including illegal mining, financial crimes, and drug-related offences.
Among those listed for pardon were Maj. Gen. Mamman Vatsa, Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight (posthumously), as well as high-profile convicts such as Maryam Sanda.
However, the inclusion of some controversial names sparked public outrage and internal opposition from security agencies, prompting the Attorney-General’s office to suspend the process pending a thorough review.
Sources within the Presidency disclosed that more than half of the nominees may be removed from the list once the vetting is completed.
“The government does not want anyone with unresolved corruption or criminal cases to benefit from the process,” one senior official revealed.
Fagbemi, while clarifying the situation last week, stressed that the presidential pardon had not been finalised and would only be approved after all agencies complete their assessments.
The final, vetted list is expected to be forwarded to President Tinubu for endorsement once all integrity and security checks are concluded.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
