Tinubu Reverses Maryam Sanda’s Pardon, 140 High-Profile Inmates

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By Johnson Folarin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reversed the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in Abuja, reducing her death sentence to 12 years imprisonment instead.

According to a new gazette released on Wednesday, Sanda’s sentence was reviewed “on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children, good conduct, and remorsefulness,” following reports that she had shown significant reformation and embraced a new lifestyle as a model prisoner.

The gazette, however, clarified that Sanda’s name was not among those whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, contrary to earlier reports suggesting a full pardon.

Quoting the official document, the President stated:

“In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Section 175 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)… 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, and Mohammed Umar.”

The Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Commutation of Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment), 2025, was signed in Abuja on October 21, 2025, marking a careful revision of the earlier list of 175 convicts whose clemency drew mixed public reactions.

Others who benefited from the presidential pardon include Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Ogoni Eight, whose posthumous clemency was retained in the final approval.

Public Sensitivity and National Security Considered

Also, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the review was guided by the need to respect victims’ rights, uphold national security, and sustain public confidence in the justice system.

“The review was undertaken in recognition of the seriousness of certain crimes, their security implications, and the need to respect the feelings of victims and society at large,” the statement read.

Tinubu was also said to have considered the importance of maintaining the morale of law enforcement agencies and ensuring that justice serves both the accused and the victims while preserving the authority of the state.

The approved list of beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for implementation in line with the signed instruments.

Secretariat Relocated to Justice Ministry

In a related directive, President Tinubu ordered 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, to enhance transparency and align with global best practices.

The President also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new operational guidelines for future pardon exercises, mandating consultation with prosecuting agencies before any recommendation is made.

Commitment to Justice Reform

Tinubu appreciated the constructive feedback received from Nigerians during the review process and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice sector reform.

He emphasized that while the prerogative of mercy remains a constitutional right, it must be exercised in a way that balances compassion with accountability.

“Justice must balance the interests of the accused, the victim, and the state,” the President stated.