There were indications on Thursday that some names on the presidential pardon list approved by the Council of State, as presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), may be dropped.
The development comes amid growing public outcry over the inclusion of certain high-profile and violent offenders among those pardoned by President Bola Tinubu.
The presidential pardon, typically granted to mark national occasions, aims to decongest prisons and promote national reconciliation. According to a presidential statement, the decision followed recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General.
The statement explained that the beneficiaries were divided into six categories:
- Those granted full pardon.
- Posthumous pardon, including the Ogoni Nine.
- Victims of the Ogoni Nine honoured.
- Presidential clemency beneficiaries.
- Inmates recommended for reduced sentences.
- Death row inmates whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
However, the announcement has reignited debate over the transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s pardon process.
On Thursday, Fagbemi (SAN) clarified that the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy recently announced by the President was still under review and had not been finalised.
Controversy continues to trail the inclusion of some names, with anti-graft and security agencies, including the EFCC and NDLEA, reportedly moving to halt the release of certain individuals.
At the Council of State meeting held on October 9, 2025, Fagbemi had listed several convicts, including illegal miners, drug offenders, white-collar criminals, and capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Ogoni Eight, among the 175 individuals granted clemency.
The full list was released on October 11, 2025, sparking outrage. While some names, like Herbert Macaulay and Farouk Lawan, drew little criticism, the inclusion of individuals linked to violent crimes and security threats provoked widespread condemnation.
One of the most controversial names was Maryam Sanda, convicted in 2017 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. Although some members of Bello’s family rejected her pardon, both families later held a joint press conference to accept the President’s decision.
Also listed was Major S. Alabi Akubo, sentenced to life imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms, and Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, a notorious kidnap kingpin known for terrorising several states across southern Nigeria.
The inclusion of individuals convicted for killing security agents, drug trafficking, and money laundering has reportedly prompted a fresh review of the clemency process.
Presidency sources suggest that some controversial names may be removed before the final list is confirmed, as part of efforts to restore public trust and credibility in the pardon process.
