The Federal Government on Thursday said presidential pardon for convicted husband killer Maryam Sanda and 170 others has not been concluded.
This is coming days after the public outrage that greeted the clemency of the woman, convicted drug dealers, illegal miners, financial fraudsters, kidnappers, among others.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), clarified in a statement 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,” Mr 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.
The AGF said 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.
The minister explained that the review phase is part of standard government protocol, designed to uphold transparency, due diligence, and the rule of law.
Mr 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.
“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 said.
Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu 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.”
Also, 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.”
