By John Umeh
In a dramatic policy reversal, the Federal Government of Nigeria has revoked the clemency earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2017. The decision follows intense public backlash that trailed the initial inclusion of her name among inmates slated for release under the presidential prerogative of mercy.
Sanda, who was sentenced to death by hanging by an Abuja High Court in 2020, had been listed among beneficiaries of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s October 2025 clemency approval. However, growing outrage from civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and members of the public forced the government to revisit the controversial decision.
Public Outcry Forces Review
Following the uproar, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, ordered an immediate review of the list to ensure due diligence and fairness.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the revised recommendations were carefully scrutinized to reflect the gravity of individual offences and the broader interest of justice. After further evaluation, the government decided to revoke Sanda’s clemency but to commute her death sentence to a 12-year term of imprisonment.
Sentence Reduced, Not Freedom Granted
The new decision means that Maryam Sanda will not walk free, as previously feared by many Nigerians. Instead, she will remain in prison to complete the remainder of her new 12-year sentence.
Having already spent seven years in custody since her 2017 conviction, she is now expected to serve approximately five more years before becoming eligible for release—depending on conduct and good behavior in line with correctional service regulations.
Balancing Justice, Mercy, and Public Confidence
A senior official from the Ministry of Justice explained that the revised action aligns with President Tinubu’s earlier directive that serious crimes such as murder, terrorism, and violent offences should not attract clemency.
“The review was guided by public interest and the rule of law. While the prerogative of mercy allows for compassion, it cannot undermine justice or the sanctity of human life,” the official stated.
Background: The 2017 Murder Case
Maryam Sanda was convicted for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of former PDP Chairman, Haliru Bello, during a domestic dispute in their Abuja home in November 2017.
The case attracted nationwide attention due to its tragic nature and the high-profile status of the couple. After years of legal proceedings, she was sentenced to death in 2020, a judgment later upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Government’s Position Going Forward
The Federal Government emphasized that the revocation of her clemency underscores its determination to maintain transparency, accountability, and integrity in the exercise of presidential mercy.
Prince Fagbemi reaffirmed that future reviews under the prerogative of mercy will undergo multi-level verification, including inputs from law enforcement agencies, correctional authorities, and victims’ families, before any final decision is approved.
Public Reaction
The government’s decision to reverse Sanda’s release and commute her sentence has been largely welcomed by the public. Many Nigerians described it as a “victory for justice,” commending the administration for listening to citizens’ concerns.
For now, Maryam Sanda remains in custody, with her fate adjusted but not absolved — a powerful reminder that mercy must never come at the expense of justice.
