President Bola Tinubu revised his pardon list yesterday and commuted the death sentence of Maryam Sanda to twelve years’ imprisonment.
The decision followed a review by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and took effect immediately.
Tinubu also approved clemency and sentence reductions for 175 other convicts, including major drug and white-collar offenders.
According to the official list, the commutation of Maryam Sanda’s sentence arose from good conduct, remorse, and her responsibilities as a mother.
Maryam Sanda and her husband
In response, the father of the late Bilyaminu Bello welcomed the move and described it as “God’s will,” while critics raised concerns about justice and the rule of law. Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi stated that the pardon list underwent final legal and procedural reviews to ensure compliance.
Furthermore, civil society groups and anti-corruption agencies expressed alarm that capital offenders featured in the clemency list, and they urged further transparency in the process.
The decision forms part of Tinubu’s broader strategy to demonstrate justice tempered with mercy, especially in light of national calls for reforms in the prison system.
Importantly, the Tinubu Revised Pardon List move signals a shift in his administration’s approach to criminal justice and rehabilitation. With court cases and public debates underway, the government faces significant pressure to justify both the criteria and outcomes of the commutations.
