Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Babatunde Ogala has revealed that Maryam Sanda's clemency was granted based on two key factors: an appeal from her late husband's father and her exemplary conduct while in custody.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Ogala provided insights into the criteria that influenced the controversial decision to commute Sanda's death sentence.
"The father of the deceased husband made this appeal to the committee of prerogative of mercy and also based on her good behavior," Ogala stated, explaining the dual considerations that shaped the outcome.
The legal expert's revelation indicates that Sanda's conduct during her time in prison played a significant role in the clemency decision. Good behavior is typically assessed through compliance with prison regulations, participation in rehabilitation programs, and demonstrated remorse for the crime committed.
Maryam Sanda was convicted in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, whom she stabbed to death at their Abuja residence in November 2017. The case attracted widespread attention due to its domestic violence elements and the brutal nature of the crime.
The combination of the victim's father seeking mercy for his daughter-in-law and evidence of Sanda's positive behavioral transformation appears to have satisfied the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy's requirements for clemency consideration.
This disclosure adds another dimension to understanding how clemency decisions are made in Nigeria's justice system. It suggests that personal rehabilitation and family reconciliation can influence outcomes even in capital cases.
The revelation may help address public concerns about the transparency of the clemency process, demonstrating that such decisions consider multiple factors including prisoner conduct, family wishes, and established guidelines rather than arbitrary or political considerations.
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