Tinubu Removes Maryam Sanda, Kidnappers, Drug Offenders, Others From Presidential Pardon List

By: Fabian Apechihin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the removal of Maryam Sanda — sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello — and several others convicted of serious crimes from the federal government’s pardon list.

The development was announced on Wednesday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu directed that individuals convicted of grave offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or dealing in firearms be deleted from the clemency list earlier prepared by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy.

He noted that the President, after consultations with the Council of State and taking public feedback into account, ordered a comprehensive review of the initial list to ensure that the exercise aligns with constitutional provisions under Section 175(1)&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“Following the review, persons convicted of serious crimes were removed from the list, while others previously recommended for pardon had their sentences reduced,” the statement read.

Onanuga explained that the decision was guided by national security considerations, respect for victims of crime, the need to uphold public confidence in law enforcement, and Nigeria’s international obligations.

He added that President Tinubu had also approved the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The President further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines governing the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.

“This will ensure that only deserving individuals who meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefit from future exercises,” Onanuga said.

Tinubu expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their constructive feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive judicial reforms and improved justice delivery.

The removal of Maryam Sanda from the pardon list follows widespread outrage after her inclusion was reported, prompting the federal government to revisit and correct the list.

Full List of Individuals Granted Clemency by President Bola Tinubu

Pardoned Individuals:

1. Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia
2. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar
3. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu
4. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan
5. Herbert Macaulay
6. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa
7. Ken Saro-Wiwa
8. Saturday Dobee
9. Nordu Eawo
10. Daniel Gbooko
11. Paul Levera
12. Felix Nuale
13. Baribor Bera
14. Barinem Kiobel
15. John Kpuine

Death Sentences Commuted to Life Imprisonment:

1. Emmanuel Baba
2. Abubakar Usman
3. Khalifa Umar
4. Mohammed Umar

Clemency Granted:

1. Oroka Michael Chibueze
2. Adesanya Olufemi Paul
3. Daniel Bodunwa
4. Hamza Abubakar
5. Buhari Sani
6. Mohammed Musa
7. Muharazu Abubakar
8. Ibrahim Yusuf
9. Saad Ahmed Madaki
10. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa
11. Richard Ayuba
12. Adam Abubakar
13. Emmanuel Yusuf
14. Chinedu Stanley
15. Johnny Ntheru Udor