PRESIDENT TINUBU REVOKES PARDON FOR MARYAM SANDA, COMMUTES DEATH SENTENCE TO 12 YEARS

President Bola Tinubu has revoked the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. The decision follows widespread public criticism that trailed the pardon. According to an official gazette released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President has reversed the pardon and commuted her death sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment.

The document further disclosed that Sanda, who has already spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, will serve out the remaining term based on compassionate grounds approved by the President. “The President has considered the public outcry and has decided to act in the interest of justice and compassion,” the gazette stated. It emphasized that the commutation reflects the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while addressing societal concerns.

Sanda was convicted in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, a case that garnered significant national attention. The reversal of the pardon underscores the government’s responsiveness to citizen feedback, as noted in the official release. “This action demonstrates the President’s dedication to ensuring that judicial processes align with public morality and fairness,” the gazette added. With the new sentence, Sanda will complete the remaining period of her 12-year term, accounting for time already served.