Supreme Court Reinstates Death Sentence on Maryam Sanda, Nullifies Presidential Pardon

T The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed the death-by-hanging sentence earlier imposed on Maryam Sanda for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, setting aside the presidential pardon previously granted to her.

In a 4–1 judgment delivered on December 12, 2025, the apex court nullified the commutation approved by President Bola Tinubu, ruling that the executive action was taken while Sanda’s appeal was still pending before the courts.

Reading the lead judgment, Justice Moore Adumein held that the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming and left no reasonable doubt as to Sanda’s culpability in the killing of her husband.

The court dismissed Sanda’s appeal in its entirety, resolving all issues raised against her and upholding the verdict of the lower courts which sentenced her to death by hanging.

Justice Adumein also faulted the presidential pardon, describing it as an improper exercise of executive power. He said granting a pardon during the pendency of a homicide appeal amounted to an interference with judicial proceedings and could not be sustained under the law.

According to the court, such executive intervention undermines the administration of justice and the constitutional separation of powers.

While four justices concurred with the decision, one justice dissented. Details of the dissenting opinion were not disclosed at the time of reporting.