Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has ordered a comprehensive multi-agency review of the controversial presidential pardon list, following allegations that some ineligible names were secretly inserted.
The review, according to The PUNCH, involves the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the police, and other security and anti-graft agencies. Sources disclosed that the outcome of the review could see more than half of the nominees dropped from the list.
President Bola Tinubu is said to be awaiting the submission of the vetted list for his final endorsement, amid growing calls for transparency and due diligence in the process.
The initial list, announced by Fagbemi at the Council of State meeting on October 9, 2025, contained 175 names granted various forms of clemency, including full pardons, commuted sentences, and posthumous pardons. Among those listed were Maj. Gen. Mamman Vatsa, Prof. Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa, the Ogoni Eight, and convicted individuals such as Maryam Sanda.
However, controversy erupted after reports emerged that some unqualified names had been “smuggled” into the list by low-level officers within the committee handling the process.
An official familiar with the development said, “Some names did not meet the criteria. A few officers bypassed the established procedures, and some of the cases are still active. Thankfully, those affected are still in custody pending review.”
Multiple top government sources confirmed that the Office of the Attorney-General has distributed the list to the EFCC, ICPC, NDLEA, and police for detailed background checks. The vetting, they said, aims to avoid a repeat of past controversies over questionable presidential clemencies.
“The process is ongoing. Every name is being vetted to ensure no person with unresolved corruption or criminal cases benefits from the pardon,” a senior official in the AGF’s office stated.
An official from the Presidency further revealed that “more than half of the names are likely to be removed once the vetting concludes,” adding that the government wants only deserving individuals to benefit.
Meanwhile, preliminary reports from the NDLEA, EFCC, and ICPC have raised red flags on some nominees, including individuals under active investigation.
The Special Assistant on Communication and Publicity to the Attorney-General, Kamorudeen Ogundele, confirmed that the review was underway, assuring that “the ministry is working with relevant agencies to ensure the process meets all legal and ethical standards.”
Findings indicated that several nominees on the list face pending corruption, drug-related, or violent crime cases, prompting further scrutiny. While figures such as Herbert Macaulay and Farouk Lawan may be cleared due to the non-violent nature of their offences, cases like Maryam Sanda’s remain under intense review, especially amid divided public opinion over her pardon.
The final list, following all integrity and security checks, will be presented to President Tinubu for final approval a move the government insists will reflect accountability, fairness, and national interest.
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