Nigeria TV Info 
Debates Trail Tinubu’s Clemency for Maryam Sanda, Convicted of Killing Husband

Public debate has erupted nationwide following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant clemency to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute. Sanda, who had been sentenced to death by hanging by an Abuja High Court, was among several inmates pardoned under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary.

While some Nigerians see the move as an act of compassion and a reflection of the president’s commitment to justice reform, others argue it undermines the rule of law and the rights of the victim’s family. Legal experts and human rights advocates have described the decision as controversial, questioning the criteria used by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy.

The late Bilyaminu Bello, a nephew of former PDP chairman Haliru Bello, was reportedly stabbed to death in their Abuja residence after a domestic quarrel. The case had drawn wide public attention as a test of Nigeria’s justice system on domestic violence and gender-related crimes.

Opposition politicians and women’s rights groups have called for a review of the pardon list, insisting that clemency for convicted murderers sends a wrong message about accountability. The presidency has yet to respond to the growing criticism, though insiders maintain that due process was followed.