President Bola Tinubu has commuted the death sentence of Maryam Sanda, a high-profile convict for the culpable homicide of her husband, to a 12-year prison term.
This decision was included in a revised list of clemency beneficiaries released by the Presidency, following a public review of the initial list reported extensively by Dawn Herald.
Maryam Sanda’s case is one of Nigeria’s most publicized spousal murder cases. In 2017, Sanda was accused of stabbing her husband to death during a domestic dispute in Abuja. After a lengthy trial that captured national attention, an FCT High Court found her guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced her to death by hanging in January 2020.
Sanda’s name appeared on an initial list of individuals slated for presidential clemency, which was heavily criticized by many including the family of the husband killed.
Following the outcry, President Tinubu directed a review of the list. While the general clemency (full pardon) for serious crimes was revoked, Sanda’s sentence was reduced under the power of prerogative of mercy. She has currently spent six years and eight months in custody, and the 12-year commutation means she will serve a total of 12 years in prison, including time already served.
This is fair than complete pardon.