Why Maryam Sanda Walked Free — Presidency Clarifies ‘Clemency’, Not ‘Pardon

The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted clemency — not a pardon — to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that Sanda’s case was viewed as a crime of passion rather than a premeditated murder.

Onanuga noted that the decision also took into account the welfare of Sanda’s young children, emphasizing President Tinubu’s compassionate nature.

He said, “This President is not one who shies away from reviewing his decisions. He’s a compassionate leader who listens to the public and understands human frailty.

“Maryam Sanda was granted clemency, not a pardon. Her children were considered, and it was a crime of passion, not premeditated. Anything can happen between a man and a woman in the heat of the moment. The President acted out of compassion.”

This clarification follows widespread reactions after President Tinubu commuted Sanda’s death sentence to 12 years imprisonment, a decision that initially sparked public criticism and misunderstanding regarding the nature of her release.