President Tinubu Withdraws Pardon for Convicted Wife-Killer and Others, Reversing Earlier Decision

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn the pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, a woman convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2017, as well as other individuals convicted of severe crimes. The withdrawal was made after a review of the list of 175 persons granted clemency and pardon earlier, which was sparked by public outrage over the inclusion of individuals convicted of murder, drug trafficking, and kidnapping. According to officials, the decision reflects a "balanced act of mercy and justice." Sanda's sentence was commuted from death by hanging to 12 years' imprisonment on compassionate grounds, following the review process.

Key Takeaways:

• The Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has withdrawn the pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, a woman convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2017.
• The withdrawal was made after a review of the list of 175 persons granted clemency and pardon earlier, which was sparked by public outrage over the inclusion of individuals convicted of murder, drug trafficking, and kidnapping.
• Sanda's sentence was commuted from death by hanging to 12 years' imprisonment on compassionate grounds, following the review process.
• The President directed a comprehensive review of the list to ensure that individuals convicted of serious crimes were excluded from benefiting from the prerogative of mercy.
• The review became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of victims and society in general, and the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies.
• The Nigerian Correctional Service has been directed to implement the President's signed orders accordingly.

Statistics:

• 175 persons initially granted clemency and pardon, but later reviewed after public protests.
• 12 years' imprisonment, the revised sentence for Maryam Sanda, commuted from death by hanging.
• 6 years and 8 months, the amount of time Sanda has spent in custody at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.

Sources:

• "President Tinubu Halts Clemency for Convicted Wife-Killer, Others, Cites Security Implications". AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com), 2025.
• "Pardon Withdrawn for Kidnappers, Drug Traffickers, In Prerogative of Mercy Review". Daily Independent, 2025.
• "Tinubu Withdraws Pardon on Convicts, Says It Was an Error". News365, 2025.