…Maryam Sanda’s death sentence reduced to 12 years imprisonment
…Moves secretariat to Justice Ministry
…Directs issuance of new guidelines for fair, transparent process
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Wednesday formally executed the constitutional instruments granting pardon, clemency, and commutation of sentences to selected individuals, marking a significant exercise of his powers under Section 175 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The president removed persons convicted of serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud and unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing.
The death sentence of Maryam Sanda, convicted of killing her husband, has been reduced to 12 years.
A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the exercise followed consultations with the Council of State and a comprehensive review informed by public feedback and national security considerations.
He said the president’s decision was necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general and the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations.
“The decision reflects the gravity and security implications of certain offences, the need for sensitivity to victims and society, and the imperative of sustaining the morale of law enforcement agencies,” the statement said. “Justice, being a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state, guided the review process.”
He said the revised list of approved beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in accordance with the signed instruments of release.
The beneficiaries of the 2025 Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, effective October 21, 2025, on commutation of death sentence to life imprisonmenI are Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar and Mohammed Umar.
Those granted pardon by the president are Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanama, Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuale, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine.
Those granted of clemency are Oroka Michael Chibueze, Adesanya Olufemi Paul, Daniel Bodunwa, Hamza Abubakar, Buhari Sani, Mohammed Musa, Muharazu Abubakar, Ibrahim Yusuf, Saad Ahmed Madaki, Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, Richard Ayuba, Adam Abubakar, Emmanuel Yusuf, Chinedu Stanley and Johnny Ntheru Udor.
President Tinubu also directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice to align the committee’s operations with best legal and procedural standards.
he President also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to issue comprehensive guidelines governing the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.
“The new framework ensures that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will benefit from the issuance of instruments of release,” the statement said.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to stakeholders and the general public for their constructive feedback during the review process, stressing that his administration remains committed to broader judicial reforms and the improvement of justice administration across the country.
