Presidential Pardon: Authorities Move to Identify Eligible Prisoners Across Nigeria
The Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has directed all state Controllers of Corrections and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commands to submit lists of qualified prisoners and inmates eligible for presidential pardon.
In a memo dated January 17, 2025, with reference number NCoS 848/C. I/VOL. 1/288, the Nigerian Correctional Service outlined criteria for clemency, including old age, ill health, and length of time served in prison.
The memo, titled "Request For List Of Prisoners/Inmates Eligible For Presidential Pardon/Clemency Nationwide," specifies that only inmates convicted or awaiting trial for federal offenses—excluding Nigerian prisoners deported from other countries—will be considered.
Eligibility criteria include:
Inmates aged 60 years and above
Those suffering from terminal illnesses
Young offenders aged 16 years and below
Long-term convicts who have served at least 10 years with good conduct
Individuals awaiting trial for 10 years or more
Convicts with sentences of three years or more but with less than six months remaining
Awaiting trial persons (ATPs) held for three years or more for minor offenses
ATPs who have been in custody longer than the sentence they would have received if convicted.
Sylvester Nwakuche assumed office as the Acting Controller General on December 16, 2024, following the retirement of his predecessor, Haliru Nababa. His appointment was approved by President Bola Tinubu.
The directive emphasizes the urgency of the request, urging all state controllers to comply promptly.
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