FG revokes clemency granted husband k!ller Maryam Sanda; commutes sentence to 12 years imprisonment

Federal Government Revokes Clemency for Maryam Sanda, Commutes Death Sentence to 12 Years Imprisonment

In a dramatic reversal of a controversial decision, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially revoked the clemency previously granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of murdering her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2017.

Sanda had originally been sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of stabbing her husband to death during a domestic dispute. The case drew widespread attention due to its high-profile nature and the social status of both individuals involved.

Earlier in October 2025, Sanda's name appeared on a list of inmates recommended for clemency, which would have led to her release from prison. This recommendation was made by a committee chaired by the Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.

However, the inclusion of her name sparked intense public outrage, with many Nigerians expressing dismay over what they perceived as a miscarriage of justice.

Critics argued that granting clemency to someone convicted of such a serious crime undermined the rule of law and the sanctity of human life.

Responding to the backlash, the Federal Government withdrew the initial clemency list and announced that it would undergo further scrutiny. In the revised list released on October 29, 2025, Maryam Sanda’s name was no longer under the category of full clemency. Instead, her sentence was commuted from death to a 12-year prison term.

This means she will serve a total of 12 years in prison, of which she has already completed seven. Consequently, she is expected to remain incarcerated for approximately five more years.

The decision to commute her sentence rather than release her outright appears to be an attempt to balance public sentiment with legal discretion.

While some members of the public have welcomed the move as a more measured approach, others continue to question why any leniency was extended at all in a case involving premeditated murder.

The controversy surrounding Maryam Sanda’s case has reignited broader conversations about the Nigerian justice system, gender dynamics in domestic violence cases, and the criteria used for granting clemency to convicts.

As the legal and social implications of this decision continue to unfold, it remains a potent reminder of how public opinion can influence judicial outcomes, and how the pursuit of justice must constantly navigate the tension between mercy and accountability.