Supreme Court Overrules FG Pardon, Affirms Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has overturned the presidential pardon granted to Abuja-based housewife Maryam Sanda, affirming the death sentence she received for killing her husband during a domestic dispute.

Sanda, who in 2020 was sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, had previously had her sentence reduced by President Bola Tinubu to 12 years imprisonment on compassionate grounds.

However, in a judgment delivered on Friday, the Supreme Court, in a split decision of four to one, reinstated the original death sentence handed down by the Court of Appeal, Abuja. The Court of Appeal had affirmed the decision of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The Apex Court dismissed Sanda’s appeal, declaring it without merit.

Justice Moore Adumein, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that the prosecution had proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt. He added that the Court of Appeal had been correct in upholding the trial court’s decision.

Justice Adumein further held that it was improper for the Executive to exercise its power of pardon in a case of culpable homicide while an appeal was still pending.

The Supreme Court’s ruling reaffirms the principle that the judicial process must be respected and that executive clemency cannot override a case under active judicial review.

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