News
Tinubu may succumb to pressure, drop controversial names from pardon list
The development comes amid growing public outcry over the inclusion of certain high-profile and violent offenders among those pardoned by President Bola Tinubu.
The presidential pardon, usually granted to mark national occasions, was also meant to decongest prisons and promote reconciliation.
The presidential statement noted that the decision followed recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General.
It added that the list of beneficiaries was divided into six categories: Those granted pardon, posthumous pardon (including the Ogoni Nine), victims of the Ogoni Nine honoured, presidential clemency (clemency beneficiaries), inmates recommended for reduced terms of imprisonment, and inmates on death row whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
However, the latest episode has reignited debate over the transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s pardon process.
On Thursday, Fagbemi (SAN), however, clarified that the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy recently announced by the President was still under review and had not been finalised.
Controversy has continued to trail the inclusion of some names, with anti-graft and security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, reportedly moving to halt the release of some individuals on the list.
Fagbemi, at the Council of State meeting convened on October 9, 2025, 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 full list was released in a statement from the Presidency on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
While some names of Politically-Exposed Persons on the list, like Herbert Macaulay, Farouk Lawan, among others, did not raise dust, the inclusion of certain individuals linked to violent crimes and security breaches sparked outrage.
One of the names was Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2017 for stabbing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, to death.
While some members of Bello’s family rejected the pardon for Maryam, the father, Alhaji Bello Isa, alongside Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, addressed a press conference to accept the presidential pardon.
The President also pardoned Major S. Alabi Akubo, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for illegal possession of prohibited firearms, among others and one Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, whose kidnapping terror spanned Delta, Edo, Rivers, Abia, Benue, and Oyo states, with detention camps in Warri and Kokori (Delta), Ugbokolo (Benue), Benin City (Edo), and Aba (Abia).
The names of those convicted for killing security agents, illicit drug couriers, and others tried for money laundering, among other offences, were queried on the list.
The uproar has reportedly prompted a review of the clemency process, with the Presidency considering dropping controversial names that generated public criticisms.
Security agencies kick
A presidential aide with knowledge of the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the matter, said the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, NDLEA and lead security agencies had raised strong objections to the list, insisting that some of the names were “smuggled in” and not part of those recommended by the presidential committee that screened applicants for clemency.
He said anti-graft agencies warned that releasing some of the convicts could undermine the ongoing fight against corruption and organised crime.
He said a top security source disclosed that some of the proposed beneficiaries “can never be released,” particularly those convicted of killing security operatives or engaging in kidnapping and other capital offences.
“The EFCC, NDLEA, and other security agencies have insisted that the list must be pruned down. Not all the names came from the committee that reviewed the cases,” the presidential aide said.
Officials also familiar with the matter said the final list would likely exclude those whose release could pose security risks or undermine confidence in the justice system.
“The list will be trimmed to reflect only those who genuinely deserve the President’s mercy. Those whose inclusion created controversy will be expunged,” a senior official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH on Thursday.
Another official in one of the security agencies said, “Some low-level officers at the level of the committee smuggled in some names. Obviously, the President is unaware of some of the names on that list.
“They have now sent the list to NDLEA and other security agencies for review. Some of the names on the list did not meet the criteria. Some low-level officers bypassed the criteria.
“In fact, some of the cases are still fresh. The good thing is that they are still in custody; they have not been released.”
An official of one of the anti-graft agencies also spoke under the condition of anonymity.
“I am aware the ICPC and the police are not comfortable with the list because the names of some convicts who are not supposed to be on that list are there.”
List for review
On Thursday, Fagbemi (SAN) stated that the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy recently announced by the President was still under review and had not been finalised.
In a statement in Abuja, the minister clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise had been released from custody.
According to Fagbemi, “The process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.”
He further explained that after the approval by the Council of State, the next step in the process was the issuance of the formal instrument implementing the President’s decision for each beneficiary.
“This stage affords an opportunity for a final review of the list for remedial purposes, if necessary, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action.
“This verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence,” the AGF said.
Fagbemi appreciated the public’s vigilance and constructive feedback, describing it as a sign of Nigerians’ deep concern for justice and good governance.
“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy. As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
One person has been confirmed dead while three others sustained injuries following the collapse of a three-storey building in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building, which reportedly housed students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, collapsed on Sunday night, trapping some occupants beneath the rubble.
The injured survivors were rescued and taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital, Oko, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has sealed off the site of the collapsed building, reaffirming its commitment to stricter enforcement of physical planning regulations and the elimination of unsafe construction practices.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu, said preliminary findings indicated structural failure as the likely cause of the collapse.
He announced the immediate closure of the site pending comprehensive investigations and structural integrity assessments.
Ojukwu said the incident would mark a turning point in the enforcement of building regulations across the state, warning that owners and developers of defective or non-compliant structures would face sanctions.
He added that ongoing construction projects would also be subjected to stricter inspections.
The Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, said technical investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse, adding that a team of professionals had been deployed to conduct a comprehensive structural evaluation.
Ezeobi assured residents that recommendations arising from the investigation would be implemented to strengthen the state’s building control system, prevent future occurrences and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said medical personnel and ambulances were immediately deployed to the scene to provide emergency care for the injured.
He said the Ministry of Health worked closely with other emergency response agencies throughout the rescue operation.
Obidike commended the swift and coordinated response of the Anambra State Government and emergency agencies, describing it as crucial to the rescue efforts and the timely medical treatment of the victims.
The Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Rtd. Capt. Casmir Nwafor, also praised the rapid intervention of the state government and emergency responders, noting that their coordinated efforts helped contain the situation and minimise further risks.
Nwafor urged developers, property owners, institutions and residents to strictly comply with approved building regulations and safety standards, reaffirming the local government’s support for the enforcement of physical planning laws.
An eyewitness, Prince Ifeanyi Ezefunamba, said the building, reportedly occupied by students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, collapsed at about 10:00 p.m. after occupants heard cracking sounds and began evacuating.
He said one survivor, Miss Chioma Akabike, narrowly escaped moments before the building collapsed, while rescue operations commenced immediately.
A traveller who arrived in Abuja aboard an Enugu Air flight has praised the airline for its service, describing the flight as smooth, calm and comfortable despite unfavourable weather conditions.
The traveller, Wordshot Amaechi Ugwele, in a viral social media post said Enugu Air had become a source of pride for the South-East and had significantly improved connectivity between Enugu and other parts of Nigeria.
Ugwele said the airline’s expansion to destinations including Benin and Kano had made air travel more accessible to residents of the region.
He said, “Today, our people can also fly directly from Enugu to Kano, a travel convenience that would have seemed unimaginable not too long ago, until Enugu Air made it a reality.”
Ugwele also commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for what he described as his vision, meticulous planning and disciplined execution in driving development across the state.
According to him, the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, connectivity and economic transformation had contributed to Enugu’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing states.
He said the establishment and expansion of Enugu Air demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving transportation and connecting Enugu with other parts of the country and beyond.
Prophetess Ezinne Nwanorue, a Nigerian preacher based in Canada, has sparked controversy online after appearing to celebrate the death of her mother-in-law in a social media post that has drawn widespread criticism.
The cleric shared the funeral poster of the deceased, Comfort Nwanorue, on Facebook on Monday, accompanying it with remarks in which she accused her late mother-in-law of being responsible for some of the challenges she had faced in the past.
Ezinne claimed she had endured years of spiritual attacks and persecution, saying she believed God had exposed those she held responsible for her struggles.
She also issued stern warnings to individuals she described as agents of evil, urging them to repent.
Her comments triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many users criticising her for publicly expressing what they perceived as joy over the death of a family member.
The incident has also renewed public interest in Ezinne’s marriage to Franklin Nwanorue, which previously made headlines over a controversial fidelity oath he took before relocating to Canada.
Before leaving Nigeria, Franklin reportedly recorded a video in which he pledged to remain faithful to his wife, declaring that he should die if he ever cheated on her after relocating abroad.
However, Ezinne later accused her husband of violating the oath, alleging in a separate Facebook post that he had become involved with another woman despite his public declaration.
As of the time of filing this report, Franklin Nwanorue and other members of his family had yet to publicly respond to Ezinne’s latest social media post.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, directing him to stop representing him, his family or IPOB in any capacity.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor’s engagement as his personal legal representative had previously been terminated verbally, adding that the latest letter served as formal written confirmation of the decision.
Kanu also withdrew any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act for or represent IPOB, insisting that the lawyer no longer had any express, implied or ostensible authority to speak or act on behalf of the group.
Citing Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu said the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers rests exclusively with the IPOB leader unless expressly delegated.
He argued that no individual, committee or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the IPOB Code of Conduct could validly appoint or retain legal representatives for the organisation.
Kanu directed Ejiofor to immediately stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases or publishing social media posts on behalf of him, his family or IPOB.
He also instructed the lawyer to stop presenting himself as his legal representative or that of IPOB in any court, forum or public space, and to take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from any pending matters in which he remains counsel of record.
See also: Nnamdi Kanu engages new legal team as terrorism trial begins today
In the letter, Kanu warned Ejiofor against disclosing or misusing confidential information obtained during their lawyer-client relationship.
“Accordingly, I hereby place you on formal notice that you are not authorised to disclose, publish, communicate, exploit, or otherwise use any confidential or privileged information acquired in the course of your retainer, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose whatsoever, except as required by law or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, without my express written authorisation.
“Any unauthorised disclosure or misuse of privileged information may constitute professional misconduct and may give rise to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as well as any other remedies available under the law.”
Kanu further cautioned that any breach of client confidentiality or unauthorised disclosure of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and attract disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), in addition to other legal remedies available under Nigerian law.
I tightened the language, removed repetition and improved the flow while retaining the substance of the original report.
Rescue operations are ongoing following the late-night collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building collapsed on Sunday night, July 26, 2026, trapping some occupants beneath the rubble.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, a police-led joint security team was immediately deployed to the scene following a distress report.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday.
Ikenga said, “On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts.
“The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation.
“The Command notes that rescue operations are ongoing to reach other persons who may still be trapped, as the number of casualties or affected persons cannot yet be confirmed.
“Also, some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
“To this end, members of the public, especially residents in the area, are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.
“Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available.”
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