The Supreme Court of Nigeria has formally reaffirmed the death sentence imposed on Maryam Sanda, the daughter-in-law of a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, following her conviction for culpable homicide. The apex court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s position on the gravity of the offense and its commitment to upholding legal precedent in high-profile criminal cases.
In a closely contested 4-1 split decision, a five-member panel of justices upheld the previous rulings ordering Sanda’s execution by hanging, dismissing her appeal on grounds that her arguments to overturn the conviction lacked merit and failed to raise sufficient legal doubt regarding her guilt.
Apex Court Confirms Guilt
Justice Moore Adumein, who delivered the lead judgment, stated emphatically that the prosecution had successfully proven Maryam Sanda’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court highlighted that the facts of the case, the evidence presented at the trial, and the consistency of the testimonies supported the trial court’s original verdict.
The Supreme Court also confirmed that the Court of Appeal’s prior decision, which had previously upheld the trial court’s death sentence, was sound, legally correct, and not subject to further challenge. The justices maintained that the judicial process had been thorough and fair, providing ample opportunity for the accused to present her defense at every stage.
Furthermore, the apex court clarified that it would be inappropriate for President Bola Tinubu, as head of the executive, to exercise his constitutional powers of pardon on a culpable homicide case while the legal appeal process was still ongoing. The court emphasised the importance of allowing the judiciary to complete its adjudication before any executive intervention could be considered.
Background of the Case
Maryam Sanda was originally sentenced to death by an Abuja High Court on January 27, 2020, after being found guilty of stabbing her husband, Bilyamin Bello, to death at their residence in Abuja in 2017. She subsequently spent nearly seven years at Suleja Prison while the appeals process unfolded, attracting national attention due to the high-profile nature of the case and her family connections within political circles.
Despite the Supreme Court’s reaffirmation of the death sentence, President Bola Tinubu exercised his executive clemency powers to reduce Maryam Sanda’s sentence to 12 years imprisonment. The decision was officially explained by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who stated that the pardon was granted on “compassionate grounds and in the best interest of the children,” highlighting considerations of mercy and societal impact.
Fagbemi further noted that Sanda’s conduct while in custody, including her remorsefulness, good behavior, and reformed lifestyle, were key factors that contributed to the exercise of executive clemency. The pardon ensures that while the Supreme Court upheld the legal findings of guilt, the sentence was modified in recognition of mitigating personal and humanitarian circumstances surrounding the case.