Maryam Sanda is a Nigerian woman who became a household name after her involvement in one of the most talked-about criminal cases in recent Nigerian history. She was convicted for the death of her husband, Bilyamin Bello, in 2017 a case that drew national attention due to its shocking details, courtroom drama, and lengthy legal battle. Originally sentenced to death by hanging, her sentence was later reduced by President Bola Tinubu, Then the Supreme Court on 12 December, 2025 re-affirmed the death sentence handed to Maryam Sanda, daughter-in-law of a former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who was found guilty of culpable homicide..
Today, Maryam Sanda is trending because her story raises questions about the death penalty, presidential powers, and the welfare of children affected by legal disputes.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1991, Maryam Sanda is a Nigerian national. She spent part of her life studying in the United Kingdom, though little is publicly known about her early family background. Her education abroad provided her with exposure to international perspectives, but her personal story largely came to public attention because of the tragic events surrounding her marriage and subsequent conviction.
Marriage and Family
Maryam married Bilyamin Bello, and their union was initially seen as promising. Tragically, their marriage ended in sorrow when Bilyamin died in 2017 under circumstances that led to Maryam’s arrest. She is a mother, and the welfare of her children has been central in conversations about her clemency and rehabilitation.
The 2017 Incident
In 2017, Maryam was accused of stabbing her husband to death at their Abuja home. Following the incident, she was arrested and charged with culpable homicide. The case quickly captured national attention due to the violent nature of the crime and the media coverage surrounding it.
Trial and Conviction
Maryam’s trial was held at the Abuja High Court under Justice Yusuf Halilu. In January 2020, she was convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to death by hanging. Her appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed in December 2020, upholding the trial court’s verdict. During the trial and appeals, Maryam’s defense raised issues about judicial bias, the lack of confessional statements, and alleged insufficient evidence, but the courts ruled against her.
Supreme Court Appeal
Maryam took her final appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In a four-to-one split decision, the Court dismissed her appeal, stating that the prosecution had proved her guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Emmanuel Agim was the lone dissenter, supporting her acquittal. The Supreme Court also made it clear that executive clemency cannot prevent the judiciary from exercising its authority over pending appeals.
Presidential Clemency and Sentence Reduction
In a surprising development, President Bola Tinubu exercised his executive powers to reduce Maryam’s death sentence to 12 years. The Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), explained that the clemency was granted on compassionate grounds, particularly for the best interest of her children. Authorities also highlighted her good conduct, remorsefulness, and role as a model inmate during her incarceration at Suleja Prison.
Why Maryam Sanda Is Trending
Maryam Sanda is trending in Nigeria for several reasons:
- Her death sentence reduction by President Tinubu has drawn attention to executive powers and how they intersect with the judiciary.
- The Supreme Court on December 12, 2025 re-affirmed the death sentence handed to Maryam Sanda, daughter-in-law of a former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who was found guilty of culpable homicide.
Personal Life
Maryam Sanda is currently serving her reduced sentence. She is widowed and a mother, and she has reportedly undergone rehabilitation and lifestyle changes during her time in prison. Her journey reflects the complexities of Nigeria’s criminal justice system and the human side of legal decisions.
FAQs About Maryam Sanda
Q: Who is Maryam Sanda?
A: Maryam Sanda is a Nigerian woman convicted for the death of her husband in 2017.
Q: What was her original sentence?
A: She was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020.
Q: Why was her sentence reduced?
A: President Bola Tinubu reduced her sentence to 12 years on compassionate grounds, particularly for the welfare of her children and her good conduct in prison.
Q: Is she still in prison?
A: Yes, she is serving her reduced sentence.
Q: Does she have children?
A: Yes, she is a mother, and her children were a key consideration in granting her clemency.
Q: Why is her case significant?
A: Her case highlights issues around the death penalty, executive powers, child protection, and judicial authority in Nigeria.
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