President Bola Tinubu has reversed his decision to grant a presidential pardon to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. In a new development, Sanda’s death sentence has been commuted to 12 years imprisonment.
According to an official gazette released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the decision to revoke the pardon was made after considering public opinion and consultations with the Council of State. Sanda, who has already spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, will now serve the remaining years of her sentence.
The initial pardon had sparked widespread criticism and outrage, with many questioning the president’s decision to grant clemency to someone convicted of a serious crime. The reversal is seen as a response to the public backlash, with the president’s office emphasizing the need to prioritize justice and the rule of law.
The president’s decision to review and revise the pardon list is part of a broader effort to ensure that the prerogative of mercy is exercised fairly and transparently. The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has been directed to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the power of prerogative of mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
This move aims to prevent similar controversies in the future and ensure that only deserving individuals benefit from presidential pardons. The president’s decision has been welcomed by many, who see it as a step towards upholding justice and accountability in the country.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS INSTRUMENT OF CLEMENCY AND PARDONS, MOVES SECRETARIAT OF PREROGATIVE OF MERCY COMMITTEE TO JUSTICE MINISTRY
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences.
Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.
This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, 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.
President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release.
The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(information & Strategy)
October 29,
