The Supreme Court has nullified the pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu to Maryam Sanda, a housewife from Abuja, and reinstated her deat...
The Supreme Court has nullified the pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu to Maryam Sanda, a housewife from Abuja, and reinstated her death sentence for the 2020 killing of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute.
In 2020, Sanda was sentenced to death by hanging by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Court of Appeal later upheld that verdict. In a bid to commute the sentence, President Tinubu had reduced her punishment to 12 years in prison on compassionate grounds.
However, in a split decision of four to one on Friday, the Supreme Court dismissed Sanda’s appeal, ruling that the presidential pardon could not override the judicial process.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Moore Adumein stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt and that the Court of Appeal had rightly affirmed the trial court’s decision. He further noted that it was improper for the Executive to exercise the power of pardon in a case of culpable homicide while an appeal was still pending.
“The appeal is without merit and is hereby dismissed,” Justice Adumein declared.
The Supreme Court’s decision effectively restores the death penalty for Sanda.
Details to follow.
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