President Concludes Mercy Exercise, Issues Instruments of Release — Justice Ministry Moves to Tighten Review Process

|By Adejumo Adekunle

President Bola Tinubu has concluded the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise, formally approving instruments of pardon, clemency, and sentence reduction for selected inmates across the country.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the exercise followed an extensive due process review after consultations with the Council of State.

Fagbemi revealed that the President ordered the review to ensure that only individuals who met all stipulated legal and procedural conditions benefited from the prerogative. During the final evaluation, some names were delisted for failing to meet the requirements, while others received reduced sentences to reflect fairness, justice, and the spirit of reform.

“This exercise underscores the President’s desire to balance justice with compassion and the belief that justice must not only punish but also reform and redeem,” the statement read.

To strengthen future reviews, President Tinubu has ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

In addition, the Attorney General has been directed to develop new Guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative power, which will include mandatory consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies before any future recommendations.

Fagbemi commended Nigerians for their patience and constructive engagement during the process, assuring that the government remains committed to justice reform, humane correctional practices, and adherence to international standards.

“The government remains steadfast in promoting a justice system that upholds human dignity while safeguarding national security and social order,” he added.