TINUBU FREES MARYAM SANDA CONVICTED FOR KILLING HER HUSBAND IN 2020.

The fatal incident took place on 19 November 2017: Maryam Sanda was arraigned after the stabbing death of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello (son of former PDP national chairman Haliru Bello).

After a trial at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, Justice Yusuf Halilu found Sanda guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced her to death by hanging on 27 January 2020.

Sanda spent roughly six years and eight months in custody (reports say she was held at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre) before the clemency decision.

The pardon — what, when, who, and stated reasons

On 11 October 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu included Maryam Sanda among 175 convicts whose sentences were either commuted or pardoned. The Presidency’s announcement was made through the President’s information advisers.

According to the Presidency / Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, the factors cited for Sanda’s inclusion were good conduct in custody, remorse, and her status as a mother of two young children — and the committee’s formal recommendation to the President.

Public and political reaction

The pardon has generated widespread public debate and visible anger on social media and in commentaries, with many Nigerians questioning the decision to grant clemency to someone convicted of killing a spouse. Media outlets and social platforms reported strong reactions.

Some public figures and groups have urged the Presidency to reconsider or reverse the pardon; for example, loca l political actors and commentators called for review after the list was published.

Source: Premium Times