The Nigerian Correctional Service is preparing a list of prisoners eligible for a nationwide presidential pardon.
According to Sahara Reporters, this directive, issued by Acting Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Nwakuche, applies to inmates in all state and Federal Capital Territory commands.
Nwakuche assumed office on December 16, 2024, after President Bola Tinubu appointed him following the retirement of Haliru Nababa.
According to a memo dated January 17, 2025, factors such as old age, poor health, and length of time served in prison will determine eligibility for the clemency.
Inmates over 60 years old, terminally ill prisoners, young offenders under 16, and those who have served more than 10 years with good conduct are among those being considered.
Others include awaiting trial prisoners detained for over three years for minor offenses and long-term convicts with less than six months left to serve.
The memo instructed state controllers to urgently provide the list of qualified inmates.
Only prisoners convicted of federal offences or Nigerians deported and awaiting trial qualify for the pardon.
The memo read, “I am directed to write and request you to as a matter of urgency, furnish the office the Controller-General of Corrections with list of ALL qualified prisoners/Inmates in your Command for Presidential Pardon/Clemency.
“For avoidance of doubt, Inmates other than Nigerian Prisoner-citizens deported to the Country, must have been convicted or awaiting trial for Federal offences only.
“Note that in determining eligibility, regard shall be had to the following criteria: Old age – (60 years and above); ill-health, likely to terminate in death; young persons, 16 years and below; long term convicts who have served 10 years and above with good record; long awaiting trial persons in custody for 10 years and above; convicts serving 3 years and above and have less than 6 months to serve; awaiting trial persons (ATPs) who have been in custody for 3 years and above for minor offences and ATPs who must have stayed longer than sentence that would have been imposed.”
