The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has initiated a multi-agency review of a proposed presidential pardon list, involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), police, and other agencies. The scrutiny, aimed at ensuring only eligible candidates are cleared, may lead to over half of the nominees being removed. President Bola Tinubu is awaiting the vetted list for final approval.
On October 9, 2025, Fagbemi announced at the Council of State meeting that Tinubu had granted clemency to 175 convicts, including illegal miners, white-collar offenders, drug convicts, foreigners, and notable figures like Maj Gen Mamman Vatsa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, the Ogoni Eight, and Maryam Sanda. The list, released on October 11, categorized beneficiaries into those granted full pardons, posthumous pardons, clemency, reduced sentences, or commuted death sentences. However, controversy erupted over some high-profile names, prompting objections from security and anti-graft agencies.
Fagbemi clarified on October 16 that the list remains under review, as some names were allegedly added by low-level committee officers without meeting eligibility criteria. A senior official revealed that nominees with ongoing corruption or criminal cases face removal, with agencies like the EFCC and NDLEA already flagging individuals under investigation. “The process is designed to avoid past pardon controversies,” an official from the AGF’s office said, emphasizing Tinubu’s commitment to transparency. The final list, subject to rigorous background checks, will be sent to the President for approval.
