BREAKING: Supreme Court Overrides FG’s Pardon for Maryam Sanda, Affirms Death Sentence

In a dramatic turn of events, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has overridden the Federal Government’s reported pardon for Maryam Sanda and upheld her death sentence, reaffirming the judgment of the Abuja High Court that convicted her for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

Our Challenges Going Into 2027 Polls, By INEC Chair

The apex court, in a ruling delivered this morning, held that the presidential pardon cannot nullify a valid and subsisting judgment of the courts once all appeal processes have been exhausted. The panel maintained that Sanda’s conviction followed due process, and no constitutional provision empowers the executive to unilaterally vacate the sentence imposed by the judiciary in such circumstances.

The decision effectively sets aside earlier interpretations suggesting that Sanda might benefit from a clemency list reportedly prepared by the Federal Government.

With today’s ruling, Maryam Sanda’s legal options appear exhausted, reaffirming the judiciary’s stance on maintaining the integrity of court judgments in capital offence cases.

More details to follow…