President Bola Tinubu has reversed the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. Following public backlash, her sentence has been adjusted to 12 years instead.
The decision was announced through an official gazette by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Sanda, who has already served six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, will now serve an additional six years in prison.
The gazette states that the decision was made on compassionate grounds, considering Sanda’s good conduct and her status as a model prisoner. It noted her commitment to a new lifestyle since her incarceration.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, confirmed that the presidential pardon had been reviewed following consultations with the Council of State. He stated that the review was necessary to ensure that only individuals who met legal requirements received clemency.
The review process resulted in some individuals being delisted from the pardon list, while others had their sentences adjusted. Fagbemi emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing justice with compassion and improving correctional practices in line with international standards.
This reversal comes after significant criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties and public figures, who condemned the initial pardon as undermining the justice system, particularly in cases involving serious crimes. The initial clemency granted to Sanda was part of a broader decision affecting 175 individuals.
Tinubu’s administration aims to refine the process of granting pardons, ensuring that future exercises align with public expectations and legal standards.
