Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged the Federal Government to withdraw and review the recent list of individuals immediately granted presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu, citing concerns over justice, accountability, and national ethics.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, Falana emphasized that while he does not dispute the constitutional authority of the President to grant pardons, reprieves, or commutations of sentences to persons convicted under federal laws, the inclusion of certain individuals on the list raises serious moral and legal concerns.
According to him, those pardoned reportedly include politically exposed persons, drug offenders, armed robbers, terrorists, and individuals convicted for culpable homicide, murder, and obtaining by false pretenses—offenses that, in his view, strike at the core of public morality and justice.
Falana, referencing Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution, advised that the Prerogative of Mercy Committee should urge state governors to consider granting pardons to persons convicted of state-level offenses, as the President’s powers extend only to federal offenses.
He stated:
“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.
“It is indisputable that the President is empowered by virtue of Section 175 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to exercise the grant of pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences to persons convicted of any offence created by an Act of the National Assembly.
“The list of pardonees include 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 (AGF) clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent presidential pardon has been released.
In a statement personally signed by Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on Thursday, the AGF explained that the process is still undergoing a final administrative review to ensure that every name and recommendation strictly complies with legal and procedural standards before any release order is issued.
“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,” Fagbemi said.
“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.”
The AGF further emphasized that the ongoing verification reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and accountability in the exercise of the President’s constitutional powers.
What You Should Know
Femi Falana’s call for the withdrawal of President Tinubu’s pardon list underscores growing public concern over the moral and legal implications of granting clemency to high-profile convicts.
The Federal Government maintains that no release has yet been made, pending final verification to ensure full compliance with due process.
