ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Tinubu’s administration is reportedly reviewing the recently approved presidential pardon list and may remove several controversial names following significant public backlash and strong objections from top security agencies.
The controversy erupted after the inclusion of high-profile convicts, such as Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced for killing her husband, and notorious kidnapper Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, among 175 individuals granted clemency. The move, initially intended to decongest prisons and promote national reconciliation, has instead ignited a debate over the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s pardon process.
In response to the growing criticism, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), issued a statement on Thursday clarifying that the list has not been finalised. He assured the public that no inmates have been released, as the list is still undergoing a final administrative review to ensure full compliance with legal standards.
“The process remains at the final administrative stage,” Fagbemi stated. “This verification is part of the standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”
However, sources within the presidency suggest the review was prompted by formal complaints from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). An anonymous presidential aide revealed that these agencies warned that releasing certain individuals could undermine the ongoing fight against corruption and organised crime.
Security officials have alleged that several names were “smuggled in” by lower-level officers on the advisory committee, bypassing the necessary security vetting. “The EFCC, NDLEA, and other security agencies have insisted that the list must be pruned down,” the aide confirmed. “A top security source disclosed that some of the proposed beneficiaries ‘can never be released,’ particularly those convicted of killing security operatives.”
The final list is now expected to be significantly trimmed to exclude individuals whose release could pose a security risk or damage public confidence in the justice system. “Those whose inclusion created controversy will be expunged,” a senior official told The PUNCH.
The original list, approved by the Council of State on October 9, included pardons, posthumous pardons for Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight, and reduced sentences for various offenders. While some beneficiaries like Herbert Macaulay and Farouk Lawan did not generate controversy, the inclusion of those convicted of violent and capital offenses sparked immediate outrage.
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