President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally withdrawn clemency for several high-profile convicts, including Maryam Sanda, whose 2020 death sentence for the murder of her husband sparked nationwide debate. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the initial pardon list submitted to the Presidency, resulting in the exclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and fraud.
A statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Tinubu signed the instruments of clemency but rejected recommendations involving inmates whose offenses posed significant threats to national security and public trust.
“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offenses, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, and the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies,” the statement read.
Maryam Sanda, convicted by the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of former PDP National Chairman Haliru Bello, was among those removed from the list. Her case, which garnered widespread media attention, remains under appeal. While her conviction still stands, the ongoing appeal process could alter the final judgment, and her fate will ultimately depend on the court’s decision.
The Presidency’s move signals a shift in Nigeria’s approach to the prerogative of mercy, with Tinubu approving the relocation of the Presidential Advisory Committee’s Secretariat from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice. He also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines mandating consultations with prosecuting agencies such as the EFCC, NDLEA, Police, and DSS before any future recommendations are made.
The reforms aim to ensure that only deserving convicts, who meet all legal and procedural standards, benefit from future pardons or sentence commutations. This approach aligns with the administration’s commitment to ensuring that clemency is granted with utmost care, focusing on justice and fairness.
“The President remains committed to a justice system that is fair, firm, and transparent, that upholds the rule of law and ensures that mercy does not amount to impunity,” Onanuga added.
The final list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for implementation.
