BREAKING: Nigerian Prisons Chief Compiles List Of Prisoners Eligible For Tinubu’s Nationwide Presidential Pardon

Sylvester Nwakuche, the Controller General of Corrections has written to all state Controller of Corrections and FCT Commands, requesting the lists of all qualified prisoners and inmates in their commands for presidential pardon.

Nwakuche is the Acting Controller General of Corrections (CGC) for the Nigerian Correctional Service. He took office on December 16, 2024 following the retirement of Haliru Nababa from the service and his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

This information is contained in a memo exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters dated January 17, 2025, with reference number NCoS 848/C. I/VOL. 1/288.

According to the memo titled, ‘Re: Request For List Of Prisoners/Inmates Eligible For Presidential Pardon/Clemency Nation-Wide,’ old age, ill health and length of stay in prison are some of the factors that will determine eligibility for the clemency.

It reads, “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.”