Tinubu has reportedly yielded to Ohanaeze demands and is set to grant Nnamdi Kanu a Presidential Pardon.
NewsOnline Nigeria had earlier reported that the Controller General (CG) of Corrections addressed a communication to all State Controllers of Corrections and the Federal Capital Territory Commands, soliciting the submission of lists detailing all qualified prisoners and inmates within their jurisdictions for consideration of presidential pardon.
This directive was issued by the Acting Controller General of Corrections (CGC) for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche.
ALSO: FG Collates List Of Prisoners For Nationwide Presidential Pardon
Recall that Nwakuche assumed this role on December 16, 2024, following the retirement of Haliru Nababa and his subsequent appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
According to SaharaReporters, the directive to compile a list of eligible prisoners for pardon was contained in a memo obtained by the media house dated January 17, 2025, bearing the reference number NCoS 848/C. I/VOL. 1/288.
The memo, titled ‘Re: Request For List Of Prisoners/Inmates Eligible For Presidential Pardon/Clemency Nation-Wide,’ indicates that factors such as advanced age, health conditions, and duration of incarceration will be considered in determining eligibility for 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.”
Speaking to NewsOnline Nigeria on the letter, a source close to the presidency and the Nigerian Correctional Service said that the President is under pressure to pardon Kanu as a political move to resolve the escalating security situation in the South East.
“Nnamdi Kanu’s name is on the list for Presidential pardon barring any last-minute change” the source said.
Recall that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant a political pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during the celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.
In an interview in Awka, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, National Vice President of Ohanaeze, argued that Kanu’s release would help restore peace, allow the government to identify those perpetuating violence, and effectively end the troubling sit-at-home practice in the South East geopolitical zone.
“Our primary demand this Independence Day is for the President to seize this moment of celebration to grant political pardon to our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, currently held in DSS detention,” Okeke-Ogene stated.
He emphasized that Ohanaeze believes in Nigeria’s democracy and that Kanu’s release would foster peace and unity among all Nigerians residing in Igbo land. “We also urge South East governors to strengthen the security framework and enhance the welfare of the people in the region,” he added.
While calling on President Tinubu to take urgent action that would bring relief to millions of Nigerians facing insecurity, hunger, and other socio-economic challenges, Okeke-Ogene lamented that the country is still developing at a slow pace.
