The Supreme Court has nullified the presidential clemency earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, reinstating her death sentence for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of a former PDP Chairman, Haliru Bello. The court ruled that the pardon did not override the gravity of her crime nor the decision of lower courts which had found her guilty.
Maryam Sanda was initially convicted by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja in 2020 for stabbing her husband to death during a domestic dispute in 2017. The conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeal, which affirmed that the evidence against her was overwhelming and the trial court followed due process.
Despite public debate and advocacy surrounding her case, including appeals for leniency, a presidential pardon was reportedly granted as part of a broader list of clemency approvals. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the pardon lacked proper legal basis and interfered with the course of justice in a murder case with clear evidence and due conviction.
The apex court’s decision restores the original death sentence and reaffirms the position that murder convictions cannot be lightly set aside, especially in cases where the legal process has been thoroughly followed.
The ruling sends a strong message about the sanctity of justice and the limits of executive clemency, particularly in cases involving violent crimes. Maryam Sanda will now face the full consequences of her conviction, as initially ordered by the trial court.
