ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Federal Government to withdraw and review the list of those granted presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu, saying the move should be undertaken in the interest of justice and national morality.
In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday evening, Falana noted that while the President has the constitutional power to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences to persons convicted under any federal law, the recent list included individuals convicted for serious and morally questionable offences.
He said those pardoned comprised politically exposed persons, drug addicts and barons, armed robbers, terrorists, and others convicted of state offences such as culpable homicide, murder, and obtaining by false pretences.
Falana urged the Prerogative of Mercy Committee to recommend to state governors the need to consider granting pardon to those convicted of state offences in accordance with Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Quoting from his statement, Falana said: “Following the recommendation of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee headed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, President Bola Tinubu recently granted pardon to 175 persons convicted for various offences.
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“It is indisputable that the President is empowered by virtue of Section 175 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences to persons convicted of any offence created by an Act of the National Assembly.
“The list of pardonees includes convicted politically exposed persons, drug addicts and barons, armed robbers, and terrorists as well as persons convicted for contravening state offences like culpable homicide, murder, and obtaining by false pretences.
“The federal government should withdraw and review the list of pardonees without any delay in the interest of justice and national morality. In particular, the Prerogative of Mercy Committee should recommend to State Governors to consider granting pardon to the persons who were convicted of state offences in the list of pardonees in accordance with Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution.”
Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under President Tinubu’s recent exercise of the prerogative of mercy has yet been released.
A statement personally signed by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday, explained that the process is still at its final administrative stage, which involves a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations comply with legal and procedural requirements before any release order is issued.
Fagbemi stated: “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 stage affords an opportunity for a final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action.”
He added that the verification process reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and adherence to lawful procedure.