The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is compiling a list of inmates eligible for a presidential pardon across the country, following a directive from Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche.
Nwakuche, who took office on December 16, 2024, after being appointed by President Bola Tinubu, instructed state and Federal Capital Territory commands to submit names of qualified inmates. A memo issued on January 17, 2025, outlined the criteria for eligibility, including age, health, and time served.
Eligible inmates include:
- Those aged 60 and above.
- Terminally ill prisoners.
- Young offenders aged 16 and below.
- Inmates who have served more than 10 years with good conduct.
- Those awaiting trial for over three years for minor offenses.
- Convicts with less than six months left to serve.
The pardon applies only to inmates convicted of federal offenses or Nigerians deported and awaiting trial. State controllers were instructed to urgently submit the list.
The memo stated, “Inmates must meet the criteria, including old age, ill-health likely to result in death, or extended periods in custody. It is essential to ensure that all qualified individuals are identified for presidential clemency.”
