BREAKING: Tinubu Under Pressure to Withdraw, Review Presidential Pardon List

• Pressure mounts on President Bola Tinubu to review the controversial presidential pardon list over inclusion of convicted politicians and criminals.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to withdraw and review the recent list of individuals granted presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, Falana said the move was necessary in the interest of justice and national morality.

While acknowledging that the President has constitutional powers to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, Falana condemned the inclusion of “convicted politically exposed persons, drug barons, armed robbers, and terrorists” in the list.

According to the statement, “Following the recommendation of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee headed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), President Tinubu recently granted pardon to 175 persons convicted for various offences.”

Falana further advised that the federal government should withdraw and review the list immediately and that the Committee should also recommend that state governors consider pardons for offenders convicted under state laws, as provided by Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution.

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Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the exercise has yet been released.

According to the AGF, the process is still at the final administrative stage, which includes a review to ensure all recommendations comply with legal and procedural standards before any instrument of release is issued.

In a statement personally signed by Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the AGF said:

“It is important to note that the last stage of the exercise, after approval by the Council of State, is the issuance of the instrument for the implementation of the decision concerning each beneficiary. This affords a final opportunity for remedial checks before forwarding to the Controller-General of Corrections.”

He emphasized that the verification process reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.