Maryam Sanda, the woman sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of former PDP National Chairman, Haliru Bello, in 2017, is among those recently pardoned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Her case was one of Nigeria’s most talked-about domestic violence cases.

Sanda, aged 37, was sentenced to death by hanging after the court found her guilty of culpable homicide for stabbing her husband during a domestic dispute in their Abuja home in November 2017.

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According to the statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman, she had spent about six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre before being considered for mercy.

Daily Trust reports that Sanda was arraigned before the FCT High Court in Zuba, where she maintained her innocence throughout the trial.

After a prolonged legal battle that drew nationwide attention, Justice Yusuf Halilu, in January 2020, found her guilty of killing her husband and sentenced her to death by hanging.

For now, Sanda is expected to reunite with her two children, who have lived with relatives since her incarceration.

Other Popular names on Tinubu’s Pardon List

While Maryam Sanda’s release grabbed the public’s attention, she is not the only high-profile beneficiary of Tinubu’s clemency. Among the 175 names are:

Farouk Lawan

A former Nigerian lawmaker, Farouk Lawan was convicted in 2021 for corrupt practices. He had served his sentence and was among those pardoned by President Tinubu as part of the 175 convicts granted mercy.

Ken Saro‐Wiwa

An environmental activist and writer, Ken Saro‐Wiwa was one of the Ogoni Nine executed in 1995.

His name featured posthumously in President Tinubu’s pardon announcement, restoring a sense of historical justice for a figure once condemned under oppressive regimes.

Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa

A military officer tried and executed during a political crisis in 1986, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa is another posthumous beneficiary of the presidential pardon.

His case has long been cited in debates about political trials and executions in Nigeria.

Professor Magaji Garba

Convicted in recent years for obtaining money under false pretence, Professor Magaji Garba had already served part of his sentence.

He is among the living convicts whose sentence was commuted or forgiven under the prerogative of mercy.

Sir Herbert Macaulay

A noted nationalist and legendary figure in Nigeria’s anti-colonial history, Sir Herbert Macaulay was convicted by colonial authorities in 1913. His pardon comes nearly a century later.