AGF Explains Reduced Sentences for Maryam Sanda, 85 Others in Presidential Mercy List

The Federal Government has released the final list of beneficiaries of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise, which saw death sentences, jail terms, and other penalties either commuted or reduced for selected offenders.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the exercise followed consultations with the Council of State, during which some concerns were raised about the initial recommendations, prompting a review.

According to Fagbemi, the exercise aimed to ensure that only individuals who met the required legal and procedural standards benefited from the prerogative of mercy. He added that while some offenders were delisted for failing to meet these requirements, others had their sentences reduced to reflect fairness, justice, and the humanitarian spirit of the exercise.

“The review process underscores the President’s commitment to balancing justice with compassion,” Fagbemi said. “It reflects the belief that justice should not only punish but also reform and redeem.”

The Minister explained that Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, had her sentence reduced to 12 years “based on compassionate grounds, the welfare of her children, good conduct, adoption of a new lifestyle, and remorsefulness.”

Others whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment include Oroka Michael Chibueze, Adesanya Olufemi Paul, Daniel Bodunwa, Hamza Abubakar, Buhari Sani, Mohammed Musa, Muharazu Abubakar, Ibrahim Yusuf, and Saad Ahmed Madaki.

Meanwhile, those granted outright pardon include Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, Farouk M. Lawan, Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Ken Saro Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, and Nordu Eawo.

Fagbemi noted that the exercise would now be overseen directly by the Ministry of Justice, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to relocate the secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties. He also said the Ministry would issue new guidelines to ensure future exercises meet legal standards and public expectations, including compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.

The AGF commended the public for its patience and constructive engagement and assured Nigerians that the government remained committed to a justice system that upholds human dignity while safeguarding national security and social order.