President Tinubu Reduces Maryam Sanda’s Death Sentence To 12 Years, Citing Compassion, Reform, And Justice Balance

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commuted the death sentence of Maryam Sanda to a 12-year prison term, marking a significant decision rooted in compassion, justice reform, and the welfare of her children. The decision comes nearly five years after her conviction for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, which had sparked nationwide debate and public scrutiny over gender, justice, and morality.

Maryam was sentenced to death by hanging on January 27, 2020, after the Federal Capital Territory High Court found her guilty of culpable homicide. Her case drew intense attention across Nigeria, with citizens divided over whether she deserved clemency or full punishment under the law. The new decision, however, reflects a shift toward mercy and reform under the current administration’s justice approach.

President Tinubu’s decision followed extensive reviews and consultations surrounding the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy. The final list released through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), revealed that Maryam’s death sentence had been reduced on compassionate grounds. Factors that influenced the President’s approval included her model conduct while in prison, her visible embrace of rehabilitation, and the consideration of her children’s well-being.

The Attorney General’s statement on Wednesday confirmed that Sanda’s name, which had earlier been removed from the provisional pardon list, was re-evaluated during the final review. Her inclusion was ultimately justified based on consistent good behavior and evidence of genuine transformation during incarceration. Fagbemi emphasized that the decision was neither hasty nor sentimental but carefully aligned with due process, fairness, and the spirit of mercy that defines the prerogative of clemency.

Beyond Sanda’s case, the statement also disclosed that four other Nigerians previously sentenced to death had their punishments commuted to life imprisonment. Those affected are Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar. Their cases were reportedly reviewed alongside Sanda’s as part of a broader government initiative to ensure that justice is tempered with humanity.

Fagbemi explained that the release of the final list came after President Tinubu completed the long-awaited review of recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy. According to him, the President had earlier received concerns regarding the initial submissions and ordered a comprehensive reassessment to ensure that only those meeting all legal and procedural criteria would benefit.

During the review, several individuals who were previously recommended for pardon were delisted for failing to meet the necessary standards. In other instances, sentences were adjusted to reflect fairness and proportional justice. The Attorney General highlighted that the President’s intention was to ensure that justice not only punishes offenders but also provides avenues for redemption and reintegration into society.

The decision, he added, reinforces the administration’s broader commitment to justice reform, fair sentencing, and humane correctional practices consistent with international norms. To institutionalize these values, President Tinubu has 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. The move is expected to streamline operations and enhance transparency in future clemency exercises.

Furthermore, the President instructed the Attorney General to issue formal guidelines governing the exercise of presidential mercy. The guidelines will make it mandatory to consult relevant prosecuting agencies before any recommendation is approved, ensuring that future beneficiaries fully meet established legal and ethical benchmarks.

Fagbemi also acknowledged the patience and constructive engagement of Nigerians throughout the sensitive review process. He assured the public that the federal government remains steadfast in promoting a justice system that upholds human dignity while maintaining national security and public order.

The commutation of Maryam Sanda’s sentence represents a defining moment for the Nigerian justice system, as it signals a deliberate balance between law, compassion, and social responsibility. For many, it raises discussions on the evolving nature of justice in Nigeria, where mercy and reform can coexist with accountability and the rule of law.

Through this act of clemency, President Tinubu’s administration underscores its belief that correctional justice should aim not only to punish but also to rehabilitate and redeem. Maryam Sanda’s case, once a symbol of tragedy and controversy, now becomes a story of transformation and hope within the broader narrative of justice tempered by compassion.