President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially revoked the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
According to an official gazette released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Sanda’s sentence has now been commuted to 12 years imprisonment on compassionate grounds.
The gazette stated that Sanda—who has already spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre—will serve about six additional years.
“Maryam Sanda, convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to death by hanging on January 27, 2020, has served six years and eight months. Her sentence is now reduced to 12 years on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children, due to good conduct and remorsefulness,” the document noted.
The gazette, titled “Reduced Terms,” was issued under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to exercise the prerogative of mercy. Other beneficiaries included Harunah Isah (35), Mamman Ibrahim (50), Sanusi Adamu (28), Sadi Musa (20), Sabiyu Aliyu, Halliru Sani (18), and 79 others.
Attorney General Confirms Review
In a follow-up statement, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), confirmed that the initial pardon list had been reviewed following consultations with the Council of State.
He explained that concerns were raised about the initial recommendations, prompting the President to order a due process review.
“Only persons who met the stipulated legal and procedural requirements were allowed to benefit from the prerogative of mercy,” Fagbemi said.
“Some names were delisted, while others had their sentences reviewed to reflect fairness, justice, and compassion.”
Fagbemi added that the review reflects President Tinubu’s effort to balance justice with mercy while maintaining due process and international correctional standards.
Relocation of Mercy Committee
The President also directed that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be moved from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice for better oversight.
He further ordered the AGF to develop new Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Mercy, which would include mandatory consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies before future pardons are granted.
Background
Sanda was sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of a former PDP chairman, Haliru Bello.
Her case gained national attention, sparking debates on domestic violence, justice, and gender issues in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, she was among 175 individuals granted clemency by President Tinubu, a move that drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
They described the mass pardon—which also included posthumous clemency for Ken Saro-Wiwa, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and others—as a “serious blow to Nigeria’s justice system and anti-drug campaign.”
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