Part of the gazette read: “Maryam Sanda, convicted for culpable homicide and sentenced to death on 27 January 2020, has served six years
Following a nationwide backlash for granting of clemency on some convicted murders and criminals, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reversed the clemency and approved a revised sentence that will see Maryam Sanda remain in prison for another six years.
Sanda who was convicted in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
However, in an official gazette issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu has rescinded his clemency and revised Sanda’s sentence.
The document indicated that the reversal followed a thorough review of the clemency list and consultations with the Council of State.
Sanda, who was initially sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide, has spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The gazette revealed that her sentence has now been commuted to a 12-year jail term on “compassionate grounds” and in recognition of her good conduct while in custody.
Part of the gazette read: “Maryam Sanda, convicted for culpable homicide and sentenced to death on 27 January 2020, has served six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre. Her term is hereby reviewed to 12 years based on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children and in recognition of her good conduct and remorse.”
The document, titled “Reduced Terms,” was issued in accordance with Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to exercise the prerogative of mercy.
Confirming the decision, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated that the initial pardon list had been re-examined after public concerns were raised over the inclusion of certain beneficiaries.
“Following consultations with the Council of State, the President received several concerns about the initial list and consequently ordered a due process review. That exercise has now been completed and approved, ensuring that only those who met the legal and procedural criteria benefited from the prerogative of mercy,” he said.
The AGF further disclosed that during the review, some individuals were removed from the list. While others had their sentences adjusted to reflect fairness, justice, and the humane spirit of the exercise.
Fagbemi added that the review underscored President Tinubu’s resolve to balance justice with compassion. And to ensure that the exercise of mercy does not erode public confidence in the justice system.
He said, “To ensure greater transparency in future exercises, the President directed 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 instructed the Attorney-General to issue new operational guidelines, including mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies before clemency decisions are made.
“This measure will guarantee that future beneficiaries of presidential mercy strictly meet the established legal and procedural standards,” the Minister explained.
He noted that the reversal comes weeks after the initial pardon sparked nationwide outrage. With opposition figures and civic groups criticising it as a grave injustice.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were among those who condemned the decision, describing it as a setback for justice and morality.
Recall that the Presidency had earlier justified the pardon, saying it was approved out of compassion for Sanda’s two young children and in recognition of her rehabilitation in prison.
However, with mounting criticism and concerns over the integrity of the justice process, the President’s reversal is seen as a decisive response to public sentiment. And also a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and judicial reform.
Sanda, now 37, is expected to continue serving her revised sentence at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.