Tinubu reverses Maryam Sanda’s pardon, reduces sentence to 12 years

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reversed the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, and instead approved a reduced sentence of 12 years imprisonment on compassionate grounds.

This development was contained in an official gazette released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the document, Sanda—who has already spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre—will serve approximately six additional years, taking into account time already spent in custody.

The gazette stated: “Maryam Sanda, convicted for culpable homicide and sentenced to death by hanging on 27/01/2020, has served six years and eight months at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja. Her sentence has now been reduced to 12 years on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children, in recognition of good conduct, remorsefulness, and rehabilitation.”

It added that the revised clemency exercise was carried out pursuant to Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Other beneficiaries of the reviewed list include Harunah Isah (35), Mamman Ibrahim (50), Sanusi Adamu (28), Sadi Musa (20), Sabiyu Aliyu, Halliru Sani (18), and 79 others.

Confirming the development in a statement, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the presidential pardon list had been reviewed following consultations with the Council of State.

“The review was to ensure that only persons who met stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefited from the prerogative of mercy,” Fagbemi stated.

He explained that the President initiated a due process review after concerns were raised over the initial list of pardoned individuals.

“During this final review, some names were delisted for not meeting the necessary conditions, while others had their sentences adjusted to reflect fairness and justice,” he said.

Fagbemi added that the President’s decision was guided by a desire to balance justice with compassion and promote humane correctional practices in line with international standards.

He also announced that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy has been moved from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice to enhance transparency and coordination.