President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn the presidential pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
The Presidency announced Tuesday that Sanda’s clemency was revoked following widespread criticism from Nigerians and rights groups who described the pardon as “a betrayal of justice.”
Sanda, initially sentenced to death by hanging, will now serve 12 years in prison. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the reversal came after a review of the mercy process, adding that “justice must never be compromised by sentiment.”
The decision has been welcomed by the Bello family and legal advocates, who said it restores faith in Nigeria’s justice system.
