AG Lateef Fagbemi Moves to Tighten Presidential Clemency Process — Says No Inmate Has Been Released Yet

Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has stepped forward to quell rising public speculation surrounding the presidential pardon exercise recently approved by the Council of State. In a strongly worded statement released in Abuja, Fagbemi declared that no inmate has yet been released under the latest round of clemency, as the process is still undergoing final legal scrutiny. His tone was firm, deliberate, and clearly aimed at dismissing what he described as “misinformed assumptions” about the implementation of the President’s prerogative of mercy.

Fagbemi emphasized that the Office of the Attorney General is committed to ensuring the legality, transparency, and fairness of every name listed for pardon. According to him, the final stage of the process is purely administrative — a necessary legal safeguard to ensure that no one benefits from executive clemency through error or manipulation. He explained that after approval by the Council of State, the next critical step involves issuing formal instruments of release, which can only occur after all compliance checks are satisfied.

Fagbemi stressed that the review is not a delay but a duty. He argued that the sanctity of the law must never be sacrificed for speed or public pressure, warning that releasing unqualified inmates could undermine the moral integrity of the justice system. “The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” he noted, describing the process as a symbol of Nigeria’s evolving legal maturity and institutional discipline.

Fagbemi Defends Government’s Transparency Amid Public Curiosity

Fagbemi, while acknowledging widespread public curiosity about the status of the presidential clemency, praised Nigerians for their vigilance and concern for justice. He described such engagement as proof that citizens are becoming increasingly invested in governance and accountability. However, he insisted that executive mercy must never be misinterpreted as political favor, adding that the verification process exists to protect the integrity of the justice system from abuse.

Fagbemi assured that his ministry is working “meticulously and without sentiment” to ensure every case meets the full requirements of the law. The verification stage, he explained, allows for corrections, clarifications, or removal of any beneficiary found to have obtained recommendation through irregular means. This layer of scrutiny, according to him, is what differentiates a lawful government from one driven by populist impulse.

Fagbemi maintained that transparency is not achieved through haste but through structured diligence. He reiterated that only those genuinely deserving of presidential mercy — based on established criteria such as good behavior, rehabilitation, and humanitarian grounds — would benefit. His message was clear: the rule of law cannot be bent for convenience, and no executive action will be finalized until it fully aligns with due process.

Fagbemi Sends Strong Message: “The Rule of Law Does Not Rush”

Fagbemi, in his closing remarks, sent a subtle yet powerful message to critics demanding immediate implementation of the clemency list. He argued that legal integrity outweighs political or emotional urgency, insisting that every decision taken by the Ministry of Justice must withstand constitutional scrutiny. He cautioned against pressure from interest groups, saying that any error at this stage could have irreversible consequences for the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system.

Fagbemi further stated that the final verification reflects the government’s deep commitment to fairness and institutional accountability. He emphasized that his office will not succumb to shortcuts, reminding Nigerians that the exercise of mercy must always balance compassion with legality. His assertion that “no one has been released yet” was a clear effort to reassure the public that the government remains in full control of the process.

Fagbemi’s statement, though calm in tone, carried political weight. It subtly positioned him as a guardian of constitutional procedure amid growing public debate about transparency in executive actions. His message leaves no doubt that the President’s mercy will only reach those who truly deserve it — and only when every legal condition has been fulfilled.