President Bola Tinubu has granted a pardon to Maryam Sanda, the woman sentenced to death in 2020 for the culpable homicide of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
Sanda, who was convicted of stabbing Bello—the son of a former National Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Haliru Bello—served six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre before her release.
Background of the Conviction
In a high-profile case that spanned nearly three years, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, presided over by Justice Yusuf Halilu, sentenced Maryam Sanda to death by hanging in January 2020.
- The Crime: Sanda was charged by police with culpable homicide for the premeditated killing of her husband in November 2017, allegedly by stabbing him with broken bottles.
- Courtroom Drama: Upon conviction, Sanda broke down in uncontrollable tears, creating a sad atmosphere in the Abuja courtroom before she was whisked away by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).
Reasons for the Pardon
The decision to grant the pardon was made following an earnest request from Sanda’s family and was reportedly based on several mitigating factors:
- Benefit to Children: The primary appeal was the assertion that her release would greatly benefit her two minor children.
- Rehabilitation: The appeal cited Sanda’s exemplary behavior while incarcerated, her expressed remorse for the crime, and her demonstrated adoption of a new way of living during her time at the custodial centre.
President Tinubu’s pardon spares Sanda the death penalty upheld by the court, allowing her immediate release from detention.
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