Presidency Makes U-Turn, Grants Presidential Pardon To Maryam Sanda, Others Accused Of Murder Despite Public Outcry

Abuja, Nigeria– President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted a presidential pardon to Maryam Sanda and several others accused or convicted of serious crimes, including murder, illegal mining and drug-related offences — a decision that Nigerians condemned.

According to the official pardon list released by the Presidency, Maryam Sanda’s name appeared as number 86 among those who benefited from the clemency.

Sanda was convicted in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of a former PDP chairman, and had been sentenced to death by hanging.

Despite growing public outrage and calls from civil society groups urging the government to reconsider, the Tinubu administration went ahead with the controversial decision.

Earlier,  Afrika Eyes reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Maryam Sanda and several others accused or convicted of murder, kidnapping, and other serious crimes from the federal list of individuals granted presidential clemency, following widespread public backlash.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President confirmed that he had signed the relevant instruments to exercise his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

However, he ordered an immediate review of the initial list after public concern over the inclusion of individuals convicted for violent crimes.

According to the statement, persons convicted of kidnapping, human trafficking, drug-related offences, unlawful possession of firearms, fraud, and other serious crimes were deleted from the list.

Some previously approved beneficiaries had their sentences commuted instead of being fully pardoned.

The Presidency explained that the revision was necessary to reflect the gravity of certain offences, the security implications of releasing such offenders, and the need to respect the rights and emotions of victims and their families.

It added that the decision also aimed to strengthen public confidence in law enforcement and the justice system while maintaining Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.

“The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state guided the review process,” the statement read.

The revised list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation. Among those granted clemency are Oroka Michael Chibueze, Adesanya Olufemi Paul, Daniel Bodunwa, Hamza Abubakar, Buhari Sani, Mohammed Musa, and others.

Additionally, the President commuted the death sentences of four inmates — Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar — to life imprisonment.

In another category, Tinubu granted a posthumous pardon to several notable Nigerians, including environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, and others executed during past military regimes.

The list also includes Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Hon. Farouk Lawan, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu.

President Tinubu directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He further instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for exercising presidential mercy, including mandatory consultations with prosecuting agencies.

“The President appreciates the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter,” Onanuga stated, adding that Tinubu remains committed to comprehensive judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.