President Bola Tinubu has removed Maryam Sanda’s name from the list of beneficiaries of his prerogative of mercy. Maryam Sanda was initially sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. However, following public outcry and consultations with the Council of State, the President revised the list, excluding individuals convicted of severe crimes such as kidnapping, drug offenses, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful firearms possession.
President Tinubu has now reduced Maryam Sanda’s death sentence to 12 years in prison. She has already served six years and eight months, and her good conduct and remorse were considered in the decision.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Advicer to the President on Information and Strategy, made this known on Wednesday October 29 in an Official statement that reads:
“Maryam Sanda, whose offence was culpable homicide, sentenced on 27/01/2020 with death by hanging, has served six years and eight months at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Suleja will now serve 12 years based on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of the children and good conduct, embraced a new lifestyle, model prisoner and remorsefulness.”
Maryam Sanda stabbed her husband Bilyaminu Bello, son of former PDP Chairman Haliru Bello, to death with broken groundnut bottle on November 9 2017 on the claim of infidelity. She had two children with him before the unfortunate incidence.
