Tinubu Orders Review of Clemency List, Reverses Maryam Sanda’s Pardon

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a review of the federal clemency list, reversing the state pardon earlier granted to some convicts, including Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for the murder of her husband.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the review followed consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion on the exercise of the President’s prerogative of mercy.

Tinubu, invoking his powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), directed that individuals convicted of serious offences—such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or dealing in firearms—be removed from the list of beneficiaries.

The statement revealed that while some inmates who were initially considered for full pardon had their sentences commuted, others, including Sanda, were delisted due to the gravity of their offences.

“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of victims and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and adherence to bilateral obligations,” the statement read in part.

It added that the concept of justice as “a three-way traffic” — involving the accused, the victim, and the state — guided the review process. The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has since been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.

In a further move to ensure transparency and fairness in future clemency exercises, President Tinubu directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The President also ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the power of mercy, mandating compulsory consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies before any approval.