Tinubu Revokes Maryam Sanda’s Pardon, Orders Six More Years In Prison

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, the woman convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2017. The reversal, which followed widespread public outrage, means Sanda will now serve an additional six years in prison.

The decision was made public through an official gazette issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga. According to the gazette, the President reviewed the pardon after consultations with the Council of State and key justice sector stakeholders.

Sanda, who was sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 for the murder of her husband, has already spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre. Her sentence has now been commuted to a 12-year term “on compassionate grounds,” according to the document.

The gazette read in part: “Maryam Sanda, convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to death on 27 January 2020, has served six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre. Her term is hereby revised to 12 years on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children and in recognition of her good conduct and remorse.”

The gazette, titled “Reduced Terms,” listed Sanda among several inmates whose sentences were reviewed in line with Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to exercise the prerogative of mercy.

Confirming the development, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated that the President ordered a comprehensive review of the initial pardon list following concerns raised about some of the beneficiaries.

“It is to be recalled that following consultations with the Council of State, the President received concerns on the recommended list and consequently initiated a due process review,” Fagbemi said. “This exercise has now been completed and approved by the President to ensure that only persons who meet stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefit from the prerogative of mercy.”

The minister added that during the review, certain individuals were delisted for not meeting the set conditions. At the same time, some sentences were adjusted “to reflect fairness, justice, and the spirit of the exercise.”

According to Fagbemi, the President’s decision underscores his commitment to balancing justice with compassion while ensuring that the exercise of mercy does not undermine public confidence in the rule of law.

To strengthen oversight, Tinubu has also directed the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. He further ordered the Attorney-General to issue new guidelines governing the exercise of presidential pardon — including mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies.

“This will ensure that only those who satisfy all legal and procedural criteria benefit from future clemency exercises,” Fagbemi added.

It would be recalled that the initial pardon, announced earlier this month, had stirred widespread criticism from civil society groups, opposition parties, and notable public figures. Many, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, condemned the decision as “a moral blunder” and a setback to Nigeria’s justice system.

The presidency had defended the clemency at the time, saying it was granted in the interest of Sanda’s two young children and in recognition of her reported good conduct in prison.

However, the backlash that followed appears to have prompted the latest reversal — a move analysts say reflects the President’s sensitivity to public sentiment and his determination to uphold accountability in the justice process.

With the new directive, Sanda, now 37, will continue serving her remaining term at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.