President Bola Tinubu has reduced the death sentence of Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2017, to 12 years’ imprisonment.
The decision follows widespread public criticism of the initial pardon granted to Sanda. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President’s decision was based on compassionate grounds, citing Sanda’s good conduct in prison and consideration for the welfare of her two children.
“The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state/society also guided the review,” Onanuga said.
Sanda has already spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre and will serve out the remaining term.
