Nigerian President Tinubu Grants Controversial Pardon to Convicted Murderer, Sparking National Debate

President Bola Tinubu's recent presidential pardons have sparked significant controversy, particularly the pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. The family of the late Bilyaminu Bello condemned the pardon, describing it as an injustice that reopens their wounds and undermines the closure provided by the courts, including the Supreme Court which upheld the conviction. The constitutional power to grant pardons in Nigeria, though legally valid when exercised after consulting the Council of State, raises moral and ethical questions when used to overturn fully adjudicated cases, potentially eroding public confidence in the justice system. This debate reflects broader concerns about the intersection of law, morality, and political discretion in Nigeria's justice system, highlighting fears that executive clemency may be influenced by factors beyond fairness and justice. Similar concerns arise in other contexts, such as President Trump's pardon of George Santos, where pardons appear politically motivated and may be used as tools to influence Congress. These cases illuminate the tension between the use of pardon powers for mercy and their potential exploitation for political or personal gain, challenging norms and public trust in governance.