Maryam Sanda Receives Presidential Pardon After Six Years in Prison — Tinubu Extends Clemency to 175 Convicts

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted a presidential pardon to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the killing of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, marking one of the most high-profile acts of clemency in recent Nigerian history.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the pardon came after Sanda’s family pleaded for her release, citing her good conduct and rehabilitation during her time in custody.

“Her family pleaded for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children. The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner,” the statement read.

Sanda, who spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, was among 175 Nigerians and foreigners granted clemency by President Tinubu, alongside high-profile posthumous pardons for Ken Saro-Wiwa, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and other members of the Ogoni Nine.

The presidency described the decision as “one of the most expansive uses of the presidential prerogative of mercy,” adding that it reflected the administration’s commitment to justice, reform, and compassion.

The action followed recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The Case That Shocked the Nation

Maryam Sanda’s case drew widespread attention after Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court in Abuja convicted her on January 27, 2020, for fatally stabbing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello — son of a former PDP chairman — during a domestic altercation.

“She should reap what she has sown, for it has been said that ‘thou shall not kill,’ and whoever kills in cold blood deserves death as his own reward,” Justice Halilu declared while delivering judgment.

Her appeal, which challenged the conviction on 20 grounds, was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on December 3, 2020. Justice Stephen Adah upheld the trial court’s findings, affirming that the evidence sufficiently proved the crime.

Following the appeal, the Supreme Court was petitioned by the Nigeria Police Force to uphold the sentence, with counsel James Idachaba stating that the verdict was in line with the law and justice system.

Tinubu’s Expansive Clemency List

The presidential pardon list released on Saturday was divided into six categories — posthumous pardons, full clemency, commutation of death sentences, and reduced prison terms.

Among the beneficiaries were inmates recommended for release on humanitarian grounds and historical figures such as the late Ogoni Nine, who were posthumously honoured, and Maryam Sanda, who was granted freedom under exceptional consideration.

The presidency emphasised that the pardons reflected Tinubu’s belief in restorative justice and rehabilitation, noting that the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy had thoroughly reviewed each case before recommendation.

Observers say the decision is likely to stir nationwide debate on the scope of executive clemency and its implications for high-profile criminal convictions in Nigeria.

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