President Bola Tinubu and Maryam Sanda
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revoked the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of murdering her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in Abuja.
According to an official gazette released on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commuted Sanda’s death sentence to 12 years imprisonment instead.
The document stated that the decision was made “on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of the children and good conduct, embraced new lifestyle, model prisoner and remorsefulness.”
Sanda, who has already spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, had previously been granted a full pardon.
A statement issued by the Presidency on October 11, 2025, explained that her family appealed for her release, citing her good behavior in custody and concern for 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 noted.
The presidency clarified that the decision followed the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, led by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN).
Other prominent figures who received presidential clemency included Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and members of the Ogoni Eight.
However, the latest gazette revealed that Sanda’s name was not among those whose death sentences were converted to life imprisonment.
Quoting directly from the gazette:
> “In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by section 175 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, hereby commute the death sentence of the following persons to life imprisonment: Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, Mohammed Umar.
This Instrument may be cited as the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Commutation of Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment), 2025. Made at Abuja, this 21st day of October, 2025.”
The earlier pardon list, which included 175 convicts, sparked mixed reactions nationwide. While some praised Tinubu’s compassion, others criticized the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes, including drug trafficking.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in his reaction, said Tinubu’s decision “erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessness.”
Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation clarified that no inmate listed under the President’s latest clemency exercise had yet been released.
According to the AGF, the process is still undergoing final administrative review to ensure every name meets all legal and procedural requirements before any official release order is issued.
*See full list below:*
