BREAKING: Tinubu Removes Maryam Sanda From Presidential Pardon List
President excludes convicts of murder, kidnapping, and other severe crimes from clemency
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the removal of Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, from the latest presidential pardon list.
Reliable sources confirmed that the President directed a comprehensive review of the proposed clemency list to ensure that individuals convicted of serious crimes are not considered for state pardon.
According to the directive, persons found guilty of murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or trafficking of firearms have been struck off the list.
In addition, Tinubu approved a sentence reduction for some inmates who had previously benefited from the old pardon list, as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities while maintaining a firm stance against violent and high-profile crimes.
The move reflects the administration’s commitment to justice reform anchored on mercy, accountability, and public safety.
Background
Maryam Sanda was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 by the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, for the culpable homicide of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of a former PDP chairman, Haliru Bello.
She had appealed the judgment up to the Supreme Court, which in 2022 upheld her conviction and sentence.
Details shortly…