Father of late Bilyaminu Bello hails Tinubu for granting pardon to Maryam Sanda

By Kunle Sanni –

The father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting a presidential pardon to his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of killing his son.

Speaking in Abuja during a joint interview with Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, Alhaji Bello said he was relieved that his long-standing appeal for clemency had finally been granted. According to a report by Punch newspaper, he explained that his decision to seek mercy for Maryam was driven purely by humanitarian reasons and faith.

“As a Muslim, I have accepted what happened. I have forgiven her and left judgment to Allah,” he said. “Vengeance cannot bring back my son, but forgiveness can bring peace to my family, to her family, and to the children who must not suffer any longer.”

Alhaji Bello revealed that he had been advocating quietly for Maryam’s release since her conviction, emphasizing that her execution would not only fail to bring justice but would also deepen the pain of both families.

He said he began appealing for clemency as far back as 2019, writing letters to the then Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the FCT Commissioner of Police. His first formal plea, he noted, was made even before the court delivered its verdict in January 2020.

On January 17, 2019, he wrote to the FCT Commissioner of Police stating that he had forgiven whoever was responsible for his son’s death and wished for the case to be withdrawn in accordance with Islamic principles. He also swore an affidavit at the FCT High Court in June 2019 reaffirming his forgiveness and requesting the withdrawal of the prosecution.

In another letter dated December 16, 2024, titled “Request for Exercise of Prerogative of Mercy for My Daughter-in-Law, Maryam Sanda Sentenced to Death by Hanging,” Alhaji Bello reiterated his plea, saying his forgiveness was motivated by compassion for his grandchildren, who had already lost their father.

“There is nothing more painful than losing a son the way I lost Bilyaminu,” he wrote. “What gives me comfort is that he left behind two beautiful children. I have forgiven Maryam. If she is killed, who will take care of her two children?”