The Acting Controller General of Corrections has directed all state Controllers of Corrections and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commands to compile and submit lists of eligible prisoners and inmates in their jurisdictions for consideration for a presidential pardon.
Sylvester Nwakuche, who assumed office as the Acting Controller General of Corrections for the Nigerian Correctional Service on December 16, 2024, following the retirement of Haliru Nababa, issued this directive. His appointment was approved by President Bola Tinubu.
This directive was outlined in a memo dated January 17, 2025, with reference number NCoS 848/C.I/VOL. 1/288, as exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters.
The memo, titled “Re: Request for List of Prisoners/Inmates Eligible for Presidential Pardon/Clemency Nationwide,” specifies that factors such as age, health condition, and the duration of incarceration will determine eligibility for clemency.
It states: “I am directed to urgently request that you provide the office of the Controller-General of Corrections with a comprehensive list of all eligible prisoners/inmates in your Command for Presidential Pardon/Clemency.
“For clarity, eligible inmates, excluding foreign prisoners deported to Nigeria, must either have been convicted or be awaiting trial for federal offenses only.
“Eligibility will be determined based on the following criteria: prisoners aged 60 and above; those with terminal illnesses; young individuals aged 16 and below; long-term convicts with good conduct who have served at least 10 years; individuals awaiting trial for over 10 years; convicts serving sentences of three years or more but with less than six months left to serve; awaiting trial persons (ATPs) detained for three years or more for minor offenses; and ATPs who have been in custody longer than the sentence that would have been imposed for their offense.”
