This comes amid growing public outcry over the inclusion of certain high-profile and violent offenders among those pardoned by President Bola Tinubu.

Anti-graft and security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, are reportedly moving to halt the release of some individuals on the list.

Fagbemi, at the Council of State meeting convened, had listed illegal miners, white-collar convicts, drug offenders, foreigners, Maj Gen Mamman Vatsa, Prof Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Ogoni Eight, as well as capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, among the 175 convicts and former convicts who received presidential pardon.

The presidential pardon, usually granted to mark national occasions, was also meant to decongest prisons and promote reconciliation.

Read Also: Tinubu Offers Presidential Pardon To Herbert Macaulay, 173 Others

The presidential statement noted that the decision followed recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General.

The uproar has reportedly prompted a review of the clemency process, with the Presidency considering dropping controversial names that generated public criticisms.

Source: Punch