The Presidency has explained the reason Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, was granted clemency by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television on Thursday, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that Maryam was granted clemency, not a pardon.
Onanuga further stated that her offence was a crime of passion and that the welfare of her children was taken into account.
President Tinubu had earlier reduced Maryam Sanda’s death sentence to 12 years imprisonment.
Responding to questions, Onanuga said, “This president is not the one that is afraid to reverse himself. He’s been considerate about this. He’s a human being, who can make mistakes and he listens to the public.
“Maryam Sanda was given clemency, not pardon. Her kids were put into consideration. It was a crime of passion not premeditated.
“Anything can happen between a man and a woman in the heat of the moment. The president is moved by compassion.”
