Injustice Reversed?’ Nigerians React To Maryam Sanda’s Presidential Pardon

Bello, the son of former PDP National Chairman, Haliru Bello, was tragically st@bbed multiple times — including in the back and on his private parts — during a domestic dispute at the couple’s residence in Pension Estate, Pakali Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, on November 17, 2017, over allegations of infidelity.

Sanda was subsequently sentenced to d3ath by hanging by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court on January 27, 2020, after being found guilty of murder.

After serving six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, Sanda was granted clemency under President Tinubu’s prerogative of mercy.

According to a statement released on Saturday, October 11, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, her family had appealed for her release, citing her good behaviour, remorse, and the need to care for her two young children.

The statement revealed that Sanda’s pardon followed the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN).

Onanuga explained that the committee considered factors such as remorse, good conduct, rehabilitation, and educational progress when selecting inmates for clemency.

Other beneficiaries of the presidential pardon include illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, foreigners, and notable names such as Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Ogoni Eight, among a total of 175 pardoned individuals.