By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has yet been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise, emphasising that the process is still undergoing the final administrative review.
President Bola Tinubu recently granted clemency to Sir Herbert Macaulay and 174 others following approval by the Council of State.
Notable figures among the beneficiaries include environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Major General Mamman Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 over alleged coup involvement. The list also includes Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for the killing of her husband, alongside other inmates whose sentences were commuted or reduced, as well as ex-convicts recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
However, in a statement on Thursday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), explained that the exercise remains at the stage of verifying and reviewing the list of beneficiaries before formal release instruments can be issued.
Fagbemi noted that although the Council of State approved the clemency recommendations, a detailed review is required to ensure that all names comply 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 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 statement read.
He further explained that the issuance of the instrument of implementation marks the final phase, after which the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service will be authorised to act.
According to the AGF, this review phase follows standard protocol and underscores the government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and the rule of law.
Fagbemi also commended the public for its interest in the exercise, describing such scrutiny as a demonstration of Nigerians’ dedication 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,” he stated.
The minister reassured that the public would be informed once all legal and procedural checks 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.