Supreme Court Overrules Tinubu’s Pardon for Maryam Sanda, Upholds Death Sentence

The Supreme Court has overturned the pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu to Abuja-based housewife Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute.

President Tinubu had earlier reduced Sanda’s sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds.

However, in a judgment delivered on Friday, the Supreme Court, in a 4-1 split decision, affirmed the death sentence handed down by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which had upheld the ruling of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

The Apex Court dismissed Sanda’s appeal as lacking merit, resolving all issues she had raised.

Justice Moore Adumein, delivering the lead judgment, stated that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt and upheld the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the trial court’s decision.

He further noted that it was improper for the Executive to exercise its power of pardon in a culpable homicide case while an appeal was still pending.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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