Following public outcry, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has made adjustments to the presidential pardon list, such as Maryam Sanda’s sentence has been reduced to 12 years’ imprisonment and also the reversal of clemency granted to several drug offenders, arms dealers, and other convicts.
This was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, which reads, “Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offenses, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc., were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.
“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offenses, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law-enforcement agencies, and adherence to bilateral obligations.”
Similarly, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said, “Some who were previously recommended were delisted, while others had their sentences adjusted to promote fairness and rehabilitation. Justice should not only punish but also reform and redeem, aligning with his administration’s broader justice and human rights reforms.”
Recall that the FGN released the presidential pardon list on October 11, 2025, which granted clemency to 175 convicts, including Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
The list sparked public outcry with criticisms of the criteria regarding the convicts featured on the list.
In the updated list released on Wednesday, Sanda’s death sentence was altered “based on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of the children, and good conduct, embraced new lifestyle, model prisoner, and remorsefulness.”
The presidency also revealed that Sanda’s family appealed for her release for the sake of her 2 children and her good conduct in prison.