The Acting Controller General the Nigerian Correctional Service.(CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, has sent a memo to all state Controller of Corrections and FCT Command to forward the lists of prisoners/inmates who are eligible for Presidential pardon.
The memo, dated January 17, 2025, with reference number NCoS 848/C. I/VOL. 1/288 was 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.
The memo 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.”