Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has condemned the recent presidential pardon controversy, describing the exercise as embarrassing, unconstitutional, and poorly managed.
The uproar began in October when President Bola Tinubu approved the release of 175 inmates under the constitutionally-backed prerogative of mercy. The list reportedly included persons convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, firearms offences, and human trafficking, sparking nationwide criticism.
Amid mounting backlash, the Federal Government reviewed the process and revoked the pardon of about 140 beneficiaries, admitting that errors were made in compiling the initial list.
However, speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, Falana said the review was not enough to address what he described as a serious breach of legal procedure.
“This time around, the country was exposed to odium, and there was no basis for it. Those who were not deserving of pardon were recommended for pardon,” he said.
Falana cited a case involving an individual prosecuted by the EFCC for 11 years and convicted as recently as April 2025, yet whose name still appeared on the pardon list.
He further stated that the initial compilation violated Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, which restricts the power to pardon persons convicted under state laws to state governors, not the President.
“Only a state governor can pardon people convicted for offences like stealing, fraud, or homicide under state law. Yet, several such persons were included,” Falana noted.
The Presidency has said the revised list reflects its commitment to accountability and due process, but Falana insisted the issue goes beyond trimming names.
“It is not enough to say the list has been reviewed. The government owes itself a duty to ensure that such colossal embarrassment does not occur again,” he stated.
Falana called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to publicly apologise to Nigerians over what he described as a national embarrassment.
“The very least the Attorney-General can do is to apologise. It is not done that way,” he added.
