Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to withdraw and review the list of individuals recently granted presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement released to journalists on Thursday evening, Falana said the review was necessary in the interest of justice and national morality.

While acknowledging the President’s constitutional powers to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences to persons convicted of offences under Acts of the National Assembly, Falana noted that the list included politically exposed persons, drug addicts and barons, armed robbers, and terrorists, as well as those convicted for state offences such as culpable homicide, murder, and obtaining by false pretences.

He argued that the Prerogative of Mercy Committee should recommend to state governors to consider granting pardons to those convicted of state offences, in line 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.

“It is indisputable that the President is empowered by Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution to exercise the power of pardon, reprieve, and commutation of sentences for persons convicted of offences created by an Act of the National Assembly.

“However, the list of pardonees includes convicted politically exposed persons, drug offenders, armed robbers, and terrorists, as well as those convicted for violating state laws such as culpable homicide, murder, and obtaining by false pretences.

“The Federal Government should withdraw and review the list of pardonees without delay, in the interest of justice and national morality. Specifically, the Prerogative of Mercy Committee should recommend to state governors to consider granting pardon to those convicted of state offences, in accordance with Section 212 of the Constitution.”

Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of presidential mercy has been released from custody.

According to the AGF’s office, the process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard verification review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.

In a statement personally signed by Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on Thursday, the AGF said:

“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.”

Fagbemi emphasised that the verification process was part of standard protocol and reflected the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.