i too have the same message
I was first fp'ed on July 2002 2 months later it showed the same 'pending review' message, whereas the message for my spouse who was also fp'ed the same day had changed to 'resumed'.
Spoke to my lawyer who in turn got back to me saying that my prints were 'not clear enough for FBI to make a decision' and so there will be another appointment. Was re-fingerprinting mid Dec 2002 but 3 1/2 months later shows the same 'pending review message'. Lawyer assures me that there is nothing to worry about.
Anyways, this is based on my personal experience, reasons could vary with each case.
Did your friend get in touch with IIO/lawyer?