Tinubu Reverses Maryam Sanda’s Pardon as She Will Now Serve Six More Years in Prison
President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 for the killing of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. The latest decision means she will now remain in prison to complete a revised sentence of 12 years. This comes after widespread criticism and public backlash following the initial announcement that she had been granted clemency.
The development was confirmed through an updated official gazette released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The document explained that Sanda had so far spent six years and eight months in Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre and that she will now serve approximately six additional years as part of a reviewed compassionate adjustment. The review noted that her sentence was being reconsidered due to factors such as her conduct in prison and the need to consider the welfare of her young children.
The gazette stated that although her original sentence was death by hanging, the revised term is now 12 years. It added that Sanda had shown remorse, embraced good behavior, and taken steps toward rehabilitation. However, her release was reconsidered after further review to ensure that justice and fairness were balanced with compassion.
The revised decision was further confirmed in a statement by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Fagbemi explained that the list of individuals earlier granted pardons was reviewed after the President and the Council of State received concerns from the public and legal stakeholders. The review process led to some names being removed from the list entirely, while some sentences were adjusted to reflect fairness and legal standards.
He said that the President intended to ensure that the prerogative of mercy process remains credible and transparent. The President also directed that future reviews must follow strict legal procedures and include mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies. This means that only individuals who meet the full requirements under the law will receive clemency moving forward.
The Minister noted that the Secretariat responsible for handling the prerogative of mercy process has now been moved from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. This transfer is expected to improve legal oversight and prevent future controversies regarding presidential pardons.
President Tinubu’s earlier approval of pardons for 175 individuals had drawn criticism from political leaders and human rights advocates. While some families of pardoned individuals had appealed for mercy, including Maryam Sanda’s family on the grounds of her children’s well-being, opposition figures and civil society groups argued that granting clemency to individuals convicted of serious crimes undermines public confidence in the justice system. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress were among those who condemned the initial decision.
The reversal of Sanda’s pardon reflects the government’s attempt to respond to public concerns and ensure accountability within the justice system. With the new decision in place, she is expected to remain in custody to complete the remaining years of her revised sentence.
