Falana Calls on FG to Withdraw, Review Presidential Pardon List

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged the Federal Government to withdraw and review the list of individuals recently granted presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu.

In a press statement issued on Thursday evening, Falana stressed that the review is necessary in the interest of justice and national morality. While acknowledging the president’s constitutional powers under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences, he expressed concern that the current list includes politically exposed persons, drug barons, armed robbers, terrorists, and individuals convicted of serious offences such as murder, culpable homicide, and obtaining by false pretences.

Falana further called on the Prerogative of Mercy Committee to advise state governors to consider granting pardons to those convicted of state offences, in line with Section 212 of the Constitution.

“Following the recommendation of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee, headed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), President Bola Tinubu recently granted pardon to 175 persons convicted for various offences,” Falana said. “It is indisputable that the President has the constitutional power to exercise this prerogative. However, the federal government should withdraw and review the list of pardonees without delay in the interest of justice and national morality.”

Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise has yet been released. The office stated that the process is still at the final administrative stage, which includes a thorough review to ensure all names and recommendations comply with legal and procedural requirements before any release instruments are issued.

In a statement personally signed by Fagbemi, the Attorney-General explained, “The last stage of the exercise, after approval by the Council of State, involves issuing the instrument for the implementation of the decision concerning each beneficiary. This stage allows a final review for remedial purposes, if necessary, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for action.”

He emphasized that the verification process reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.