I have forgiven Maryam Sanda long ago - Father reacts to Presidential pardon

By Obasola Olatunde 

The 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 has long forgiven her for killing his son.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the grieving father described the clemency as “the will of God”, noting that forgiveness brings peace while vengeance cannot reverse fate.

“I am happy that the father of the nation has released Maryam so she can look after her children.

We as Muslims accept whatever comes from Almighty Allah. I have forgiven her and bear no grudges against anyone. Vengeance cannot bring back my son, but forgiveness can bring peace,” Bello said.

Maryam Sanda, daughter of a former Aso Savings executive, was sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello a nephew of former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Haliru Mohammed during a domestic dispute in Abuja in November 2017.

The case sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate on domestic violence and justice in Nigeria.

Bello revealed that his appeal for mercy dated back to 2019, even before Sanda’s conviction, adding that he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation and the FCT Commissioner of Police seeking leniency for her.

His remarks come a day after some relatives of the deceased, through a statement signed by Dr. Bello Mohammed, criticised the presidential pardon, calling it “the worst injustice any family could endure.”

But the late Bilyaminu’s father distanced himself from the statement, insisting it did not reflect his position.

“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 added.