President Bola Tinubu has revoked the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
In a new directive contained in an official gazette released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president converted Sanda’s death sentence to a 12-year prison term.
According to the document, Sanda, who has already spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, will now serve approximately six additional years in prison after receiving a reduced sentence on compassionate grounds.
The gazette read in part: “Maryam Sanda, whose offence was culpable homicide and sentenced on 27/01/2020 to death by hanging, has served six years and eight months at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja. She will now serve 12 years based on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of the children and good conduct, having embraced a new lifestyle as a model prisoner and shown remorse.”
The document, titled “Reduced Terms,” explained that the decision was taken in line with Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the president to grant clemency or commute sentences.
Other beneficiaries of the reviewed clemency include Harunah Isah (35), Mamman Ibrahim (50), Sanusi Adamu (28), Sadi Musa (20), Sabiyu Aliyu, Halliru Sani (18), and 79 others.
Confirming the development, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the earlier pardon was reviewed after extensive consultations with the Council of State.
He noted that the adjustment of Sanda’s sentence was made in the spirit of fairness and justice while taking into consideration her conduct in custody and the welfare of her children.
