Supreme Court Reinstates Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda, Overturns Presidential Pardon

On December 12, 2025, Nigeria's Supreme Court reinstated the death sentence of Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of murdering her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute in 2018. The court's decision nullified a presidential pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu, which had commuted Sanda's sentence to 12 years in prison on compassionate grounds.

Supreme Court Restores Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda, Rejects Tinubu’s PardonDW NewsSupreme Court Overturns Presidential Pardon, Reinstates Death Sentence for Maryam SandaBREAKING: Supreme Court Rejects FG Pardon for Maryam Sanda, Confirms Death SentenceSupreme Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, affirms Maryam Sanda’s death sentenceSupreme Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, upholds death sentence for Maryam SandaJUST IN: Supreme Court Overturns Presidential Pardon, Upholds Death Penalty for Maryam SandaSupreme Court reinstates death sentence for Maryam Sanda, rejects presidential pardonJUST IN: S’Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, upholds death sentence for Maryam Sanda

Maryam Sanda was found guilty of fatally stabbing Bilyaminu Bello at their residence in Abuja on November 23, 2018. The incident reportedly stemmed from a confrontation after Sanda discovered incriminating messages on her husband's phone. Following her conviction, an Abuja High Court sentenced her to death by hanging on January 27, 2020. This ruling was upheld by the Court of Appeal on December 4, 2020.

Supreme Court Restores Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda, Rejects Tinubu’s Pardon

The Supreme Court's ruling was delivered by Justice Moore Adumein, who emphasized that the prosecution had proven Sanda's guilt "beyond reasonable doubt." The court, in a split decision of 4-1, dismissed Sanda's appeal, stating that it was improper for the executive branch to issue a pardon while her case was still under judicial review. Justice Adumein noted that the pardon undermined the separation of powers enshrined in Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.

Supreme Court Overturns Presidential Pardon, Reinstates Death Sentence for Maryam SandaSupreme Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, affirms Maryam Sanda’s death sentenceSupreme Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, upholds death sentence for Maryam SandaSupreme Court reinstates death sentence for Maryam Sanda, rejects presidential pardonJUST IN: S’Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, upholds death sentence for Maryam SandaSupreme Court Restores Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda, Rejects Tinubu’s PardonJUST IN: Supreme Court Overturns Presidential Pardon, Upholds Death Penalty for Maryam SandaBREAKING: Supreme Court Rejects FG Pardon for Maryam Sanda, Confirms Death SentenceDW News

President Bola Tinubu had previously justified the pardon by citing Sanda's good conduct in prison and the welfare of her three young children. The Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, supported the decision, highlighting Sanda's remorsefulness and exemplary behavior. However, the Supreme Court's ruling has been hailed by legal experts as a reaffirmation of judicial independence, with constitutional lawyer Femi Falana stating, “This reaffirms that no arm of government can subvert the rule of law, even for compassionate ends.”

JUST IN: S’Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, upholds death sentence for Maryam Sanda

The decision to grant Sanda a pardon had sparked significant national debate and criticism. Opponents argued that it undermined public confidence in the justice system and could set a dangerous precedent for future cases. The family of Bilyaminu Bello condemned the pardon, describing it as the “worst possible injustice” and expressing that it reopened painful wounds.

BREAKING: Supreme Court Rejects FG Pardon for Maryam Sanda, Confirms Death Sentence

Following the Supreme Court's decision, Sanda's legal team has indicated that they may explore further legal avenues, although options appear limited after the exhaustion of appeals. The case remains a focal point for discussions on the balance of power between Nigeria's executive and judicial branches.

Supreme Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, upholds death sentence for Maryam Sanda

• “Justice Adumein held that it was wrong for the Executive to seek to exercise its power of pardon over a case of culpable homicide, in respect of which an appeal was pending.” — Justice Moore Adumein

Supreme Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, affirms Maryam Sanda’s death sentence

• “This reaffirms that no arm of government can subvert the rule of law, even for compassionate ends.” — Femi Falana, SAN

Supreme Court overrules Tinubu’s pardon, upholds death sentence for Maryam Sanda

The Supreme Court's ruling effectively restores the original death sentence for Maryam Sanda, underscoring the judiciary's authority in matters of serious criminal convictions.

Supreme Court Restores Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda, Rejects Tinubu’s Pardon