LunagisthubMaryam Sanda’s Pardon Revoked: A New Twist in the Presidential Clemency Saga
In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2020. Sanda’s death sentence was initially commuted, but the President has now removed her from the list of beneficiaries following a review ordered by him.
The decision to revoke Sanda’s pardon came after widespread outrage over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious offenses in the initial list. The Presidency cited national security concerns, the need to respect victims’ feelings, and the importance of maintaining public trust in law enforcement as reasons for the reversal.
– The President has directed that individuals convicted of serious crimes like kidnapping, drug-related offenses, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms be excluded from the pardon .Some individuals who were previously pardoned have had their sentences commuted instead of being fully discharged.
The President has ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for exercising the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies .
Maryam Sanda’s death sentence has been commuted to 12 years in prison. She will serve the remaining term after spending six years and eight months in custody .
Lunagisthub
