President Bola Tinubu has reversed the inclusion of Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, and 140 others from the recent presidential pardon list, following public criticism from victims’ families and Nigerians over the nature of beneficiaries.
The president’s decision came less than a month after he extended clemency to 175 individuals, noting that many had demonstrated sincere remorse and exemplary conduct during their time in custody.
A new list released by the President’s Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, showed that Sanda’s name, along with 140 others, had been removed, leaving only 34 names on the final list.
In the previous compilation, President Tinubu granted presidential clemency to 82 individuals, reduced the prison terms of 65 inmates, commuted the death sentences of 7 others to life imprisonment, granted posthumous pardons to 11, pardoned 6 individuals, and honored 4.
According to the updated list, 15 individuals were granted clemency, including Oroka Chibueze, Adesanya Paul, Daniel Bodunwa, Hamza Abubakar, Buhari Sani, Mohammed Musa, Muharazu Abubakar, Ibrahim Yusuf, Saad Ahmed Madaki, Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, Richard Ayuba, Adam Abubakar, Emmanuel Yusuf, Chinedu Stanley, and Johnny Udor.
Those whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment are Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar.
Individuals granted pardon include Anastasia Nwaobia, Hussaini Umar, Ayinla Alanamu, Farouk Lawan, Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Ken Saro Wiwa, and eight others.
According to Onanuga on Wednesday, Tinubu’s action followed consultations with the Council of State, public opinion, and a review of the initially approved list, in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He added that the removed names included individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms or arms dealing.
Onanuga noted that 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.
“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 victims and society at large, 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,” he explained.
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.
In addition, Onanuga said, the President has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, including compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
“This will ensure that only individuals who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will benefit from the issuance of instruments of release,” he added.
“The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the public on this matter,” Onanuga said, adding that Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.