President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reduction of Maryam Sanda’s death sentence to 12 years imprisonment on compassionate grounds.
Sanda, who was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging on January 27, 2020, for the murder of her husband, was initially excluded from the presidential pardon list. However, following a final review of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise, her sentence was commuted to a 12-year jail term.
According to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the decision was influenced by Sanda’s “model prison behaviour,” her reported embrace of a new life, and considerations for the well-being of her children.
Fagbemi, in a statement issued on Wednesday, also announced that four other Nigerians previously sentenced to death — Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar — had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment.
He noted that the President’s approval followed the completion of the due process review of the Prerogative of Mercy exercise after consultations with the Council of State.
“This exercise was completed and approved by the President to ensure that only persons who met stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefited from the prerogative of mercy,” the statement read.
Fagbemi added that some names earlier recommended for pardon were removed during the review, while others had their sentences reduced to reflect fairness, justice, and the spirit of compassion guiding the process.
He emphasized that the review underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to balancing justice with mercy and promoting humane correctional practices aligned with international standards.
To enhance transparency in future exercises, the President 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.
He also mandated the Attorney-General to develop new guidelines for granting clemency, including compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only deserving persons benefit from the process.
Fagbemi commended the public for their patience and engagement throughout the review and assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to upholding human dignity while safeguarding national security and justice.