President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Maryam Sanda who was sentenced to death in 2020 for k*lling her husband, Bilyaminu Bello from the federal pardon list.
The development was confirmed after Tinubu signed the Instrument of Clemency and Pardons, according to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga explained that the president revisited the pardon list after consulting the Council of State and considering public opinion. Following the review, individuals convicted of serious offences such as homicide, kidnapping, human trafficking, drug-related crimes, fraud, and unlawful arms possession were taken off the list.
He stated: “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.”
The presidency said the decision was made to uphold justice, protect public interest, and respect the concerns of victims and security agencies.
President Tinubu also ordered that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be moved from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice.
The Attorney-General of the Federation has also been directed to issue new guidelines to ensure future pardons strictly follow legal and procedural requirements.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and strengthening the justice system across Nigeria.
