The father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, has publicly accepted the clemency granted to his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he has long forgiven her for the tragic death of his son.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the elderly Bello described the presidential pardon as “the will of God,” adding that the act of mercy would enable Sanda to care for her two children.
He said he harboured no resentment towards her or the Federal Government, noting that forgiveness brings peace even when justice cannot restore life.
“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 the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, following a domestic dispute in Abuja in November 2017.
The case stirred national outrage and reignited conversations around domestic violence and the justice system in Nigeria.
Bello revealed that his plea for mercy dated back to 2019, long before the court’s final judgment. He said he had written multiple letters to authorities, including the then Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, seeking leniency for his daughter-in-law.
Reacting to criticism from some relatives who condemned Tinubu’s pardon, Bello dismissed their comments, stressing that the statement released by Dr. Bello Mohammed did not represent his family’s collective stance.
“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.