Abuja, Nigeria – The name of Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for the culpable homicide of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, has been removed from President Bola Tinubu’s pardon list.

The announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga explained that President Tinubu was exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He said the updated pardon list followed consultations with the Council of State, public opinion, and the signing of all necessary instruments to formalize the changes.

The statement added that individuals convicted of serious crimes, including kidnapping, drug offenses, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal firearms possession, were removed from the pardon list.

Furthermore, the update reduced sentences for some individuals who had previously been pardoned under the old list.