The Supreme Court has set aside the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, restoring her death sentence for the murder of her husband.
The apex court delivered the decision on Friday, reversing the Federal Government’s earlier action on the case.
In 2020, Mrs. Sanda was convicted of killing her spouse, Bilyaminu Bello, in Abuja and sentenced to death by hanging by a Federal Capital Territory High Court. That judgment was affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
President Bola Tinubu had previously commuted her sentence to 12 years in prison on compassionate grounds, citing her conduct in detention and the welfare of her children.
The decision sparked national debate and widespread criticism.
In a split verdict of four against one, the Supreme Court ruled that the pardon should not have been applied while her appeal was pending. The court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed her appeal as lacking merit.
The judgement makes clear that the judgment of the trial court stands and that Mrs. Sanda must face the original sentence imposed in 2020.
The case has been closely watched, drawing reactions from human rights groups and members of the public. Critics of the earlier pardon argued it undermined confidence in the justice system and could set a dangerous precedent.
In a related development, the family of the late Bilyaminu Bello had condemned the presidential pardon when it was first announced, describing it as the “worst possible injustice” and saying it reopened painful wounds for them.
More updates to follow…