Bola Tinubu has removed Maryam Sanda, the woman sentenced to death for killing her husband, from the presidential pardon list following nationwide outrage.
Sanda was convicted in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, a crime that sparked public shock and widespread condemnation at the time.
Her name was initially included in Tinubu’s list of pardon beneficiaries, which ignited strong criticism from Nigerians who described the move as a mockery of justice.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the updated list followed “consultations with the Council of State and the public opinion.”
He stated that Tinubu was acting under his constitutional authority of prerogative of mercy as outlined in Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Onanuga noted that the revised list came after the president signed all the necessary legal instruments to formalise the updated roll of beneficiaries.
The statement confirmed that individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, armed robbery, and financial fraud were also struck out from the new list.
“Tinubu ordered the removal of individuals convicted of severe crimes, including kidnapping, drug offenses, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal firearms possession or trafficking, from the list,” the statement read.
Those previously pardoned under the old list, the statement added, will now have their sentences commuted rather than completely cancelled.
The reversal is seen as a rare moment of retreat for Tinubu’s government, which has faced growing criticism over its handling of justice, economic hardship, and governance since taking office.
Follow Parallel Facts on WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
