Over 8,300 inmates in Nigeria have been pardoned or had their sentences reduced between January 2022 and March 2026, as part of efforts to address overcrowding in correctional facilities. The pardons were granted after recommendations by judicial or advisory bodies, known as Prerogative of Mercy Committees.

Here’s a breakdown of the number of inmates pardoned or granted sentence adjustments:

– 2022: 707 inmates

– 2023: 4,678 inmates (surge due to nationwide intervention)

– 2024: 1,843 inmates

– 2025: Over 850 inmates

– 2026: More than 240 inmates

Some notable beneficiaries of presidential pardons include Herbert Macaulay, Mamman Vatsa, and Farouk Lawan. The pardons aim to promote rehabilitation and reintegrate inmates into society.