President Bola Ahmed Tinubu revoked the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. Sanda will now serve a 12-year prison sentence following a review of the clemency list.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President executed the relevant instruments of release to conclude the formal process of exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

However, following consultations with the Council of State and in response to public opinion, President Tinubu ordered a comprehensive review of the earlier approved list of beneficiaries.

As a result, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were removed from the list. Others who had previously been pardoned had their sentences commuted.

The decision, according to the statement, was guided by the gravity and security implications of the offences, sensitivity to victims and the public, the need to sustain the morale of law enforcement agencies, and Nigeria’s bilateral obligations. The review was also anchored on the principle of justice as a three-way traffic balancing the interests of the accused, the victim, and society.

The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.

The President’s decision also affects Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, the late Bilyaminu Bello. Her death sentence had been previously commuted as part of the initial clemency list, sparking public criticism.

In a related directive, President Tinubu ordered 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 also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for the exercise of presidential mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies, to ensure that only qualified individuals benefit from future clemency actions.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback from stakeholders and the general public and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.