Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has condemned the Federal Government’s handling of the recent presidential pardon controversy, calling it an embarrassment to the nation and demanding a public apology from the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The controversy erupted in October after President Bola Tinubu granted clemency to 175 inmates under the constitutional prerogative of mercy. The list reportedly included individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Public outrage followed the revelation, with civil society groups and legal experts accusing the government of undermining the rule of law and its anti-corruption campaign. The Presidency later announced a review of the list and revoked about 140 of the pardons, citing flaws in the selection process.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, Falana said the inclusion of undeserving individuals exposed Nigeria to ridicule. He argued that the process violated constitutional provisions governing the exercise of pardon powers.
“It is not the first time such an exercise has been mishandled, but this time, the country was exposed to odium. Those who were not deserving of pardon were recommended,” Falana said.
He cited the example of a man convicted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April 2025, whose name still appeared on the list. Falana also noted that some offenders convicted under state laws were included, contrary to Section 212 of the Constitution, which grants state governors the power to pardon such individuals.
He criticized the Federal Government’s explanation that the list had merely been reviewed, insisting that a formal apology was necessary. “It is not enough to say we have reduced the number. The government owes Nigerians an apology to prevent such national embarrassment from recurring,” he stated.
