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After Public Outcry, Tinubu Removes Maryam Sanda from Clemency List, Other Convicts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the removal of Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for the murder of her husband, from the presidential clemency list, following widespread public criticism and outrage.
This decision comes after a review of the initial list of inmates granted state pardon, which included individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and other grave offenses.
According to a new list obtained by POLITICS DIGEST and dated October 21, 2025, Sanda’s name was notably absent, indicating that the President heeded public concerns over perceived leniency toward individuals convicted of violent crimes.
A State House press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that Tinubu had approved a fresh directive removing those convicted of severe crimes, including kidnapping, human trafficking, drug offenses, fraud, and illegal possession or trafficking of firearms, from the clemency list.
“The action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences.
“The President considered the feelings of victims and society, the morale of law enforcement agencies, and Nigeria’s bilateral obligations”, the statement party
The statement also revealed that some individuals who were previously granted full pardons on the old list will now have their sentences merely commuted, instead of being released outright.
In a bid to strengthen the integrity of future clemency exercises, President Tinubu has also relocated the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The President further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines governing the exercise of presidential mercy. These guidelines will mandate consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies before any clemency is granted.
Tinubu expressed appreciation for the public’s constructive feedback on the issue and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and a fairer justice system.
Recall that Maryam Sanda was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020 after being found guilty of murdering her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of a former PDP chairman, in a case that drew national attention.
