Tinubu Removes Maryam Sanda, Others Convicted of Heinous Crimes, from Presidential Pardon List

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the removal of Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, from the list of individuals granted presidential pardon.

The decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the President also ordered that persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or trafficking of firearms be struck out from the list.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences.

“Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the statement read in part.

While some names were deleted entirely, others who had earlier benefited from the pardon list had their sentences commuted or reduced.

Onanuga explained that the review became necessary given the seriousness of some of the crimes, the need to respect the feelings of victims and the wider society, as well as to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies.

“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review,” the Presidency said.

The statement further disclosed that Tinubu had approved 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 clemency, which would make consultations with prosecuting agencies compulsory before any recommendations are made.

“This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release,” the statement noted.

Public Outcry Prompted Review

It would be recalled that the inclusion of Maryam Sanda on the initial pardon list had drawn widespread condemnation from the public and civil society groups.

The Presidency said constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and Nigerians influenced the President’s decision to order the review.

“President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria,” Onanuga added.