Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, has been granted a presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu after spending six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.
In a statement released on Saturday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency stated,
“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 pardon forms part of a broader clemency decision by President Tinubu, which included 175 Nigerians and foreigners such as the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and other members of the “Ogoni Nine.”
“This marked one of the most expansive uses of the presidential prerogative of mercy, touching on high-profile historical cases,” the statement added.
According to the Presidency, the decision was based on the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Maryam Sanda’s case attracted national attention when Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court in Abuja convicted and sentenced her to death by hanging on January 27, 2020, after finding her guilty of fatally stabbing her husband at their home.
“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 at the time.
Following the ruling, Sanda’s legal team filed an appeal on 20 grounds, contesting the evidence and alleging judicial bias. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal on December 3, 2020, upholding both the conviction and the death sentence.
“The circumstances surrounding the death can be the best proof of what is being alleged,” noted Justice Stephen Adah, affirming the lower court’s judgment.
Police prosecutors later moved for the Supreme Court to sustain the conviction.
Police counsel James Idachaba stated, “We are satisfied with the findings of the trial and appeals court, and we are prepared to defend the law’s position at the Supreme Court,” emphasizing the authorities’ stance on justice.
The presidential pardon list, released on Saturday, was grouped into six categories: pardoned individuals, posthumous pardons (including the Ogoni Nine), victims of the Ogoni Nine honoured, clemency beneficiaries.
Inmates recommended for reduced prison terms, and inmates on death row whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
