Maryam Sanda’s Sentence Not Reversed — Tinubu Admin Commuted Death Penalty to 12 Years!

Maryam Sanda’s Sentence Not Reversed — Tinubu Admin Commuted Death Penalty to 12 Years!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Contrary to viral claims, Maryam Sanda’s presidential pardon has not been revoked, nor has her original death sentence been reinstated. What has happened is a formal commutation of her sentence from death by hanging to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds.

What We Know:

• Maryam Sanda was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
• In April 2022, she appeared on the initial list of 159 inmates granted presidential clemency by the Buhari administration.
• Under President Tinubu, a review of 175 clemency cases was conducted, and individuals convicted of serious crimes—including Sanda—were removed from the pardon list.
• However, an official gazette confirms that rather than a pardon, her sentence was commuted to 12 years’ imprisonment.

Quote:

“She was excluded from the list of full pardons, but the commutation of her death sentence to a custodial term remains in effect.”
— Ministry of Justice Source

Why It Matters:

• Clarifies widespread misinformation about the reversal of her legal status.
• Highlights the distinction between a pardon, which erases conviction, and commutation, which alters the sentence without erasing guilt.
• Brings attention to transparency concerns surrounding the presidential mercy process.

What to Watch:

• Public and legal responses to the sentence commutation.
• Possible policy reforms around the prerogative of mercy.
• Reactions from the victim’s family and rights advocacy groups.

Sources:

1. Ministry of Justice Memo on Clemency Review – Oct. 2025
2. Official Gazette: Presidential Mercy Decisions (2025)
3. Verified Legal Analysis – Justice & Rule of Law Watch

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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