Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, has been removed from the presidential pardon list by President Bola Tinubu. President Tinubu, on Wednesday, directed that individuals convicted of serious offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or trafficking of firearms be excluded from the list. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the review also resulted in a reduction of sentences for some individuals previously included in the old list. He explained that the decision followed consultations with the Council of State and took into account public sentiment.
Onanuga added that those found guilty of grave crimes were deliberately removed due to national security concerns, sensitivity to victims, and the need to preserve public confidence in the justice system.
The presidency had earlier faced widespread criticism for granting clemency to Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband. Sanda was convicted for fatally stabbing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Haliru Bello, during an argument at their home in Maitama, Abuja, on November 19, 2017. The case gained national attention after photos of the couple circulated online.
In January 2020, Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court found her guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced her to death by hanging. She was later moved to the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, where she remained until her recent release. On October 11, 2025, President Tinubu granted her clemency as part of a list of 175 inmates who received a presidential pardon or sentence reduction. The Presidency explained that her inclusion was based on the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, which cited her good conduct, remorse, and her role as a mother of two young children.
However, the decision sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning her inclusion. @arojinle1 wrote, “Yorùbá is just all round. I saw the Maryam Sanda news and just one Yorùbá statement came to mind. ‘The one who dies is the ultimate loser. Don’t let them kill you o.’” @jollz commented, “That Maryam Sanda pardon really drives home when Nigerians say ‘na who die, lose’. Kai.” @basquiatshow said, “They say it’s for the kids, but a case of premeditated murder should never have been considered for pardon. The Lateef Fagbemi and @NGRPresident missed on this one. It’s pure injustice.” @HiikyaaTor added, “Mr Sunday Jackson is sentenced to death for defending himself, yet Maryam Sanda, who stabbed her husband multiple times, gets clemency. What a country!”
Source: https://guardian.ng/
