Father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, has publicly accepted the presidential pardon granted to his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, by President Bola Tinubu, saying he had long forgiven her for his son’s death.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the elderly Bello described the pardon as “the will of God,” noting that Sanda’s release was an act of compassion that would enable her to care for her two children.
“I am happy that the father of the nation has released Maryam so that she can look after her children.
“We as Muslims accept whatever comes from Almighty Allah. I have forgiven her and bear no grudges against the Federal Government or her family. Vengeance cannot bring back my son, but forgiveness can bring peace,” he said.
Maryam Sanda, daughter of a former Aso Savings executive, was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, a nephew of former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Haliru Mohammed.
The murder, which took place in November 2017 during a domestic quarrel in Abuja, triggered nationwide outrage and reignited conversations about domestic violence and justice.
Bello revealed that his plea for clemency dated back to 2019, even before the death sentence was handed down.
He said he had written several letters to the authorities, including the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, appealing for leniency toward his daughter-in-law.
On Monday, a statement signed by Dr. Bello Mohammed on behalf of some family members faulted the pardon, describing it as “the worst possible injustice any family could be made to go through.”
But in response, Bello dismissed the statement, stressing that it did not reflect his personal view.
“That is their personal opinion. I am the father of the deceased, and I have chosen forgiveness. We may not all see things the same way, but I believe this is the right path, for peace, for the children, and for Allah’s mercy,” he said.
