BREAKING: Supreme Court Affirms Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda, Nullifies President Tinubu’s Pardon

By Michael Ehindero

The Supreme Court has overturned the presidential pardon granted to Abuja housewife, Maryam Sanda, reinstating the death sentence imposed on her for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier commuted Sanda’s sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds. However, in a split decision of four to one delivered on Friday, the apex court affirmed the death-by-hanging verdict earlier upheld by the Court of Appeal.

The court dismissed Sanda’s appeal in its entirety, ruling that it lacked merit. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Moore Adumein held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the appellate court was right to affirm the trial court’s decision.

Justice Adumein further stated that it was improper for the Executive to exercise its power of pardon in a culpable homicide case while an appeal was still pending.


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