The Nigerian government has clarified that none of the 82 inmates, including Maryam Sanda, approved for presidential clemency, has been released from prison.
The clarification follows widespread public criticism after the announcement that President Bola Tinubu had approved clemency for prisoners convicted of serious offences, including murder, drug trafficking, and illegal mining.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar condemned the move, saying it “weakens public faith in the criminal justice system and emboldens criminality.” The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) also described it as “a national disgrace,” while several human rights groups questioned the transparency of the process.
However, in a statement on Thursday, Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi, said the process is still at the “final administrative stage,” stressing that no inmate has been freed.
“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody,” Fagbemi said.
He explained that before any prisoner can be released, a final review must confirm that all recommendations comply with legal and procedural standards. “This verification process is part of standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence,” he added.
Fagbemi also assured the public that the government is not delaying the process but “following the law to the letter” to ensure that only those who genuinely qualify benefit from the President’s mercy.
“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” the minister said.
Public engagement, he noted, has strengthened institutional integrity and shown that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance.
The controversy erupted earlier this week after reports claimed that the Tinubu administration had approved the release of several inmates, including high-profile convicts like Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for the murder of her husband in 2017.
Fagbemi’s statement now confirms that all inmates approved for clemency remain in custody pending the completion of due legal and administrative procedures.