The Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise, stating that the process is still undergoing final administrative review.
This clarification comes following reports that President Bola Tinubu had granted a pardon to Sir Herbert Macaulay and 174 others after the Council of State approved recommendations for clemency.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), explained that the exercise had not yet reached the stage of issuing release instruments.
According to Fagbemi, the verification and review of the list of beneficiaries are still ongoing to ensure compliance with legal and procedural standards.
“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 statement read in part.
He further noted that 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.”
The Presidential Prerogative of Mercy Committee, which advises the President on such matters, is expected to conclude the administrative review before beneficiaries can be formally discharged.
