Tinubu Removes husband killer, Maryam Sanda from Pardon List amid Public Outrage

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially removed Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, from the presidential pardon list — following widespread public criticism.

According to Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms have also been excluded from the initial list.

He noted that the decision to amend the clemency list was driven by national security considerations, sensitivity to victims of crime, and the government’s determination to maintain public trust in the justice system.

Recall that the Presidency came under intense public backlash after granting clemency to Sanda, who was sentenced to death in January 2020 by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the premeditated murder of her husband.

Sanda was found guilty of stabbing her husband, Bilyaminu, son of former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Haliru Bello, to death during a heated argument at their Maitama residence in Abuja on Sunday, November 19, 2017. The case sparked nationwide outrage and dominated headlines as images of the couple circulated widely on social media.

Following her conviction, Sanda was transferred to the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, where she remained until her controversial release.

On October 11, 2025, President Tinubu had initially granted her clemency as part of a list of 175 inmates who received presidential pardon or sentence reduction.

The Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy reportedly recommended her for clemency, citing her good conduct, remorse, and her role as a mother of two young children.

However, after a review process and consultations with the Council of State and other stakeholders, the President approved a revised list — removing offenders convicted of serious crimes and reducing the sentences of others, rather than granting full pardons.