Presidential Pardon List Under Review as Security Agencies Object to Inclusion of Violent Offenders

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There are strong indications that the Federal Government may drop several names from the recently approved presidential pardon list, following widespread public criticism and objections raised by key security and anti-graft agencies.

The move comes amid growing outrage over the inclusion of certain high-profile convicts and violent offenders among those granted clemency by President Bola Tinubu on the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The pardon, which traditionally coincides with national observances, was initially designed to decongest correctional facilities and promote reconciliation. However, its latest iteration has triggered debate about transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s clemency process.

Security Agencies Raise Objections

Top government sources confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other security agencies have formally raised objections to the inclusion of certain individuals, alleging that some names were “smuggled into” the final list without proper vetting.

A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that some of the proposed beneficiaries were “never recommended by the committee” and failed to meet the established criteria for presidential mercy.

“Some of the names did not pass security screening. A few were included without authorisation, and their release could undermine the fight against corruption and organised crime,” the source said.

Another security official noted that some cases were still active in court, adding that the President had not been fully briefed about all the individuals listed.

“The good thing is that no one has been released yet. The list has been sent back for review by the NDLEA and other relevant agencies,” he said.

Controversial Names Trigger Public Backlash

Public criticism intensified after it emerged that those pardoned included convicts linked to violent crimes, including Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2017 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

While some members of the Bello family rejected the clemency, both families later held a joint press conference expressing their acceptance of the presidential pardon.

Also listed were Maj. Gen. Mamman Vatsa, Prof. Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight, and convicted kidnappers such as Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, known for terror operations across several South-South and South-East states.

The inclusion of drug offenders, illegal miners, and those convicted for money laundering has further deepened public skepticism about the rationale behind the exercise.

AGF Clarifies: No One Has Been Released

Responding to the controversy, Attorney-General Fagbemi issued a statement on Thursday clarifying that the presidential pardon list is still under review and that no inmate has yet been released.

He explained that after approval by the Council of State, the process must undergo a final administrative review to ensure all names meet legal and procedural requirements before instruments of release are issued.

“The process remains at the final administrative stage. This verification step ensures that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy,” Fagbemi said.

He added that the verification reflects the government’s “commitment to transparency and due diligence,” assuring Nigerians that public vigilance and feedback were helping strengthen the integrity of the process.

“The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness. As soon as all checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed,” he said.

Background

The initial list of 175 beneficiaries included six categories:

• Full presidential pardons;

• Posthumous pardons (including the Ogoni Nine);

• Honours for victims of the Ogoni Nine;

• Presidential clemency;

• Inmates granted sentence reductions; and

• Death row convicts whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

Officials say the final list—to be released after the ongoing review—will exclude controversial or security-risk individuals to preserve public confidence in the justice system.