President Tinubu Orders Removal of Maryam Sanda from Presidential Pardon List, Reaffirms Commitment to Justice and Security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the removal of Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the culpable homicide of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, from the presidential pardon list, in a move that underscores his administration’s resolve to uphold justice and national security.

It is reported that this directive was contained in an official statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, President Tinubu directed that individuals convicted of grave crimes, including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal firearms possession be expunged from the list of those considered for pardon or sentence reduction.

The President also approved the commutation of sentences for certain individuals who had previously been granted clemency under an older list.

The statement reads:

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences.

“Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc., were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.”

President Tinubu’s decision, the statement continued, was driven by the “seriousness and security implications” of the offences, the need for justice to reflect the feelings of victims and society, and to reinforce confidence in law enforcement agencies.

“The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review,” Onanuga stated.

He added that the approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with duly signed instruments of release.

In a further bid to strengthen transparency and accountability, President Tinubu directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Additionally, the President instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop new Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, mandating compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.

“This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release,” the statement emphasized.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback from Nigerians and reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and enhancing the administration of justice in Nigeria.

The initial pardon list, which included Maryam Sanda, had sparked widespread outrage across the country, prompting the federal government to promise a review, a pledge that the President has now fulfilled.

Full List of Those Granted Clemency by President Tinubu

Pardons:

1. Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia

2. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar

3. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu

4. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan

5. Herbert Macaulay

6. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa

7. Ken Saro Wiwa

8. Saturday Dobee

9. Nordu Eawo

10. Daniel Gbooko

11. Paul Levera

12. Felix Nuale

13. Baribor Bera

14. Barinem Kiobel

15. John Kpuine

List of Individuals Whose Death Sentences Have Been Commuted to Life Imprisonment:

1. Emmanuel Baba

2. Abubakar Usman

3. Khalifa Umar

4. Mohammed Umar

Those Granted Clemency:

1. Oroka Michael Chibueze

2. Adesanya Olufemi Paul

3. Daniel Bodunwa

4. Hamza Abubakar

5. Buhari Sani

6. Mohammed Musa

7. Muharazu Abubakar

8. Ibrahim Yusuf

9. Saad Ahmed Madaki

10. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa

11. Richard Ayuba

12. Adam Abubakar

13. Emmanuel Yusuf

14. Chinedu Stanley

15. Johnny Ntheru Udor

With this decisive action, President Tinubu has not only restored public confidence in the justice system but also demonstrated a balanced approach to clemency ensuring that compassion does not compromise national security or justice for victims.