President Bola Tinubu has reversed the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of the killing of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in Abuja.

In the official gazette released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, her sentence was reduced from death to 12 years imprisonment.

It revealed that the convict would serve 12 years “based on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of the children and good conduct, embraced new lifestyle, model prisoner and remorsefulness”.

Sanda, who has spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, had earlier been pardoned by the President.

In a statement released on October 11, 2025, the Presidency said her family pleaded for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children.

“The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner,” the statement read.

According to the President’s aide, the gesture was made on the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN).

Others who received presidential pardons included Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the other Ogoni Eight.