The Federal Government has launched a new Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy to review potential pardons for inmates in Nigeria’s custodial centers.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, will chair the committee which will serve a four-year term and comprises representatives from law enforcement, correctional services, religious bodies, and human rights organizations.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume,explained that the committee’s formation stems from constitutional powers allowing the President to pardon individuals convicted of federal offenses.
Fagbemi revealed his office has already received numerous pardon applications and plans to visit correctional facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to evaluate cases before making recommendations to the President.
The last presidential pardon was granted under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022, with a total of 159 convicts including former Governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame receiving clemency which sparked controversy at the time.
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