Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, has been included among 175 inmates recently granted presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with many questioning the rationale behind her inclusion.
Sanda was convicted by an Abuja High Court for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of former PDP national chairman, Haliru Bello. She was found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to death by hanging. At the time of her conviction, Justice Yusuf Halilu described the evidence presented by prosecutors as “overwhelming and consistent.”
Sanda’s name appeared on the official list of inmates pardoned under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy Committee. The committee was established to identify convicts who had shown signs of genuine repentance, good conduct in prison, and potential for reintegration into society.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the president’s approval followed careful screening and recommendations from relevant justice and correctional authorities. He explained that Sanda’s release was influenced by “her good behavior, demonstrated remorse, and appeals from her family, especially concerning the welfare of her two children.”
Public reaction, however, remains divided. While some Nigerians have commended the move as an act of compassion, others believe it undermines the integrity of the justice system. Legal analysts have also raised concerns that the pardon could set a controversial precedent for high-profile cases involving violent crimes.
The full list of the 175 pardoned inmates includes individuals convicted of offenses ranging from drug trafficking to fraud and illegal mining. The Presidency said the exercise was aimed at decongesting prisons and giving deserving inmates a second chance at life.
