Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has directed the removal of Maryam Sanda from the presidential pardon list, following strong public backlash over her inclusion.
Sanda was convicted and sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
The decision was confirmed in a statement issued Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He said the President reviewed the list under his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy, as provided in Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution.
“President Tinubu directed that individuals convicted of grave offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or trafficking of firearms be excluded from the list,” Onanuga said.
He noted that the revised list followed consultations with the Council of State and reflected public sentiment. “The President has signed all relevant instruments to formalise the revised list of beneficiaries, ensuring that only deserving persons benefit,” he added.
Sanda’s removal comes after strong public criticism questioning why a convicted murderer should be considered for clemency. Advocates had argued that granting her pardon could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
According to Onanuga, those who remain on the list are individuals whose sentences have been reviewed or reduced, not fully vacated.
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