statement issued on Thursday evening, Falana clarified that while the President has the constitutional authority to grant pardons under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, the recent exercise raises serious concerns about justice and national morality.
The pardon, which included notable historical figures such as Sir Herbert Macaulay, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and Major General Mamman Vatsa, has sparked controversy over the inclusion of convicts like Maryam Sanda and other high-profile offenders.
Falana alleged that the list also contained politically exposed persons, alleged drug barons, terrorists, and individuals convicted of homicide, urging the government to urgently reassess the decision to maintain public confidence in the justice system.
He advised that the Prerogative of Mercy Committee should recommend that state governors handle pardons for those convicted under state laws, as provided in Section 212 of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has clarified that no inmate on the list has been released, as the process is still undergoing administrative review. He stated that the final verification is ongoing to ensure compliance with legal and procedural standards before any official release instruments are issued.
