*Maryam Sanda Pardon Reversed, Sentence Reduced to 12 Years
President Bola Tinubu has formally signed the Instrument of Clemency and Pardons, exercising his constitutional prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and sentence reductions to selected individuals previously convicted of various offences.
However, following consultations with the National Council of State and a review of widespread public concerns, the President ordered a fresh vetting of the earlier approved list to ensure that beneficiaries align with national security and justice priorities.
As a result, individuals convicted of serious offences — including kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or dealing in firearms — were removed from the list. Others previously recommended for pardon had their sentences reduced rather than cancelled.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the review was guided by the severity of certain crimes, the feelings of victims, and the need to sustain the morale of law enforcement agencies. He added that the exercise balanced the interests of the state, offenders, and society.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has been directed to commence implementation of the approved list.
The Presidency also addressed the backlash over the inclusion of Maryam Sanda — convicted in 2020 and sentenced to death for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
An updated official gazette released by Onanuga on Wednesday confirmed that her presidential pardon has been revoked. Instead, her sentence has been commuted to 12 years on compassionate grounds. Sanda has already spent six years and eight months in custody at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The reversal followed nationwide criticism over perceived leniency toward severe offenders.
In a related move, President Tinubu directed the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice to improve transparency and compliance with global standards.
He also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future clemency exercises, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before recommendations are made.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, formally confirmed the conclusion of the revision. In a statement titled “Presidential Prerogative of Mercy Exercise Concluded with Issuance of Instruments of Release,” he noted that the review ensured due process and fairness.
Fagbemi said the process reflects President Tinubu’s desire to promote a justice system that punishes crime while remaining humane and reform-oriented. He also acknowledged the public’s engagement and concerns.
“This exercise underscores the President’s desire to balance justice with compassion and the belief that justice must not only punish, but also reform and redeem,”
Fagbemi stated.
He assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to accountability, humane correctional practices, and safeguarding national security.
The revised clemency list is now fully approved and set for enforcement.
Clemency Final
Reduced Terms Final
Pardon Final
Death Sentence Final
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