By John Umeh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may withdraw some names from the recently announced presidential pardon list, following widespread criticism and strong objections from security and anti-graft agencies.
The clemency exercise, traditionally used to decongest prisons and promote reconciliation, has sparked public uproar after the inclusion of certain high-profile convicts linked to violent crimes, corruption, and drug offences.
While the Council of State had earlier endorsed the list presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), officials revealed that security agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, NDLEA, and the police raised concerns that some names were “smuggled in” without proper vetting.
A presidency insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the agencies warned against releasing individuals convicted of crimes ranging from murder and kidnapping to large-scale financial fraud. “Some of these cases are still fresh. Releasing such persons would undermine public trust in the justice system,” the source said.
Among those whose inclusion generated outrage are Maryam Sanda, convicted for the 2017 killing of her husband, and Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, a notorious kidnap kingpin whose operations spanned multiple states. Their presence on the list has been described by critics as a threat to national security.
Clarifying the situation on Thursday, Fagbemi explained that the clemency list remains under review and no convict has yet been freed. “The process is still at the administrative stage. This review ensures that only those who truly qualify will benefit from the President’s mercy,” he noted.
The Attorney-General added that the government welcomed public vigilance and assured Nigerians that the final list would reflect transparency, due diligence, and respect for the rule of law.
With pressure mounting, officials confirmed that the presidency is now considering dropping names that fail security clearance or whose release could jeopardize ongoing anti-crime efforts.
If the review leads to a trimmed list, only convicts deemed deserving of clemency — such as those with minor offences or those already rehabilitated — will eventually walk free.
