The internet broke on Monday, January 27, 2020 after Mrs Maryam Sanda was sentenced to death by hanging for killing her husband through multiple stab wounds in November of 2017
A now viral video captures the Nigerian Senate President, Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan revealing the condition that would have led to Maryam Sanda being spared for the tragic occurrence
According to Lawan, Maryam who would be survived by a toddler,(asides her family members), should she be made to face her judgement might have been pardoned if the law allows for compassion or humanitarian ground
He stated that he is sure Maryam would have been spared if the judicial system had the condition of sympathy however, the reverse is the case
Meanwhile, Mrs. Maryam Sanda is scheduled to appeal the judgment as served by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who had given her the maximum sentence
One of the lawyers, who spoke off the record, said they would go on appeal against the judgment. “She has a constitutional right of appeal and definitely she has to exercise it,” “We will definitely appeal the judgment.”
The federal government had arraigned her on a two-count charge bordering on murder. In the judgment delivered, the trial judge held that there was circumstantial evidence coupled with the defendant’s testimony and statement to the police that she “fatally” stabbed her husband to death in Abuja on November 19, 2017.
The judge while stating that the offence for which the defendant was convicted was based on Section 221 of the Penal Code imposed the maximum sentence. “It has been said that thou shall not kill. Whoever kills in cold blood shall die in cold blood,” the judge said, adding: “Maryam Sanda should reap what she has sown. It is blood for blood.”
Though some women and civil rights activists have condemned the death penalty, describing it as unacceptable.
But another activist and co-convener of #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) movement, Mrs. Aisha Yesufu, welcomed the death penalty, saying that it was not only an adequate punishment but also that justice had been served in the case.
