The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has ordered a multi-agency review of the proposed presidential pardon list earlier submitted for President Bola Tinubu’s approval.

The probe, which involves the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Police Force, aims to vet the eligibility of nominees and prevent unqualified individuals from benefiting from the clemency exercise.

Multiple government sources confirmed that the exercise could lead to the removal of more than half of the names initially listed for pardon.

President Tinubu is said to be awaiting the submission of the vetted list for final endorsement, as the administration seeks to ensure transparency and due diligence in the process.

In early October, the President, exercising his constitutional powers, approved the grant of clemency to 175 persons convicted of various offences. The list, which was announced by Fagbemi at the Council of State meeting on October 9 and released by the Presidency on October 11, included posthumous pardons for the late Maj. Gen. Mamman Vatsa, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, the Ogoni Eight, and several others.

Others on the list were white-collar convicts, illegal miners, drug offenders, and capital convicts such as Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2017 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

However, controversy trailed the list following reports that some names were “smuggled in” by junior officials of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy.

A senior security official told newsmen that several nominees failed to meet the criteria for clemency.

“Some low-level officers added names not originally recommended. The President was unaware of these inclusions. That’s why the list has been sent back to agencies for proper scrutiny,” the source said.

Another presidency official disclosed that the ongoing review was designed to avoid the pitfalls of previous administrations where questionable pardons stirred public outrage.

“From what I’ve seen, more than half of the names may be dropped. The President doesn’t want anyone with pending corruption, drug, or violent crime cases to benefit,” the source added.

Senior officials in the Office of the Attorney-General confirmed that the EFCC, ICPC, NDLEA, and police had begun submitting background checks on the nominees.

“It’s a standard integrity audit before the final list goes to the President,” one official explained.

The Special Assistant on Communication and Publicity to the Attorney-General, Kamorudeen Ogundele, also confirmed the ongoing review.

“Yes, the process is still underway. The ministry is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure all legal and ethical standards are met,” he said.

Findings further revealed that concerns had been raised about some nominees who reportedly have active criminal or corruption cases pending before law enforcement agencies.

While politically exposed persons like the late Herbert Macaulay and former lawmaker Farouk Lawan may scale through, others — including Maryam Sanda and convicted kidnap kingpin Kelvin Prosper Oniarah,  are subject to further review.

Government sources maintained that the final list would only feature individuals cleared by all relevant security and anti-graft bodies.

“No name will be approved without clearance. This administration is determined to make the process credible,” a top official affirmed.

The reviewed list, once vetted by all agencies, will be submitted to President Tinubu for final approval.