The presidential pardon list Nigeria is under review following public backlash and objections by anti-graft and security agencies over controversial names.
Presidential pardon list Nigeria is now under intense review following widespread public outrage and strong objections from key security and anti-corruption agencies over the inclusion of controversial names.
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On Thursday, Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), confirmed that the recently announced Presidential Prerogative of Mercy had not been finalised and was still undergoing a final administrative vetting process.
The list, approved by the Council of State and presented by Fagbemi, originally contained 175 individuals, including illegal miners, drug offenders, white-collar convicts, and capital offenders. Among them were names like Maryam Sanda, convicted for the 2017 murder of her husband, and Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, a notorious kidnap kingpin with operations across six Nigerian states.
Public backlash followed swiftly, as human rights advocates and security sources questioned how such high-profile and violent offenders were recommended for clemency.
Outcry intensified when family members of victims, such as the Bello family, openly expressed dismay — although some, including Maryam’s and Bilyaminu’s fathers, held a joint press briefing accepting the presidential pardon.
Security agencies, including the EFCC, NDLEA, ICPC and the police, have reportedly kicked against the list. Sources within the presidency suggest that several names were “smuggled in” by lower-level committee officers and did not originate from the vetted shortlist approved by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
A top security official told The PUNCH that “some individuals on the list can never be released,” pointing to those convicted of killing security agents and engaging in organised crime.
Fagbemi, in his clarification, reiterated that no prisoner had yet been released, noting that the legal process was still underway.
He added that the current phase includes detailed verification to ensure all names align with due process and security clearances.
“This is not a delay,” Fagbemi said. “It is due diligence. The law must take its full course to ensure fairness and maintain public trust.”
He thanked Nigerians for their vigilance and civic engagement, describing the public’s response as a healthy sign of democratic accountability and good governance.
“The final list will reflect only those who genuinely deserve mercy,” a senior presidency official confirmed, adding that the goal is to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.
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As it stands, the Presidential pardon list Nigeria will likely be trimmed, with controversial names removed to uphold national security interests and public confidence.
