THE Federal Government has clarified that no inmate, including Maryam Sanda, has been released under the recent Presidential Clemency Programme, contrary to widespread reports and public outrage that followed the announcement of the list of 82 beneficiaries.
The clarification came amid intense backlash from civil society groups, opposition figures, and sections of the public who criticised the move to pardon or commute sentences of convicts found guilty of serious offences such as murder, drug trafficking, and illegal mining.
The controversy erupted after it was revealed that Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyamin Bello, was among those listed for clemency approved by the National Council of State.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had condemned the development, arguing that extending mercy to individuals convicted of capital crimes weakens the criminal justice system and “emboldens criminality.”
Similarly, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the move as “a national disgrace” and “an abuse of presidential power of mercy.”
However, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), clarified in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Thursday that the clemency exercise is still undergoing verification and review, and that no inmate has yet been released.
“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,” Fagbemi said.
He explained that although the Council of State had approved recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, the final stage involves a meticulous administrative review to ensure that all names on the list meet the necessary legal and procedural standards.
“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,” he added.
According to the AGF, the issuance of the instrument of implementation marks the last phase of the exercise, after which the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) will be authorised to act.
He noted that the review phase is part of standard government protocol, designed to uphold transparency, due diligence, and the rule of law.
Fagbemi welcomed the intense public interest in the process, describing it as evidence of Nigerians’ commitment to justice and good governance.
“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy,” the minister stated.
He assured that the public would be promptly informed once the review and verification stages are completed.
“As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” he added.