Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, has formally expressed his acceptance of the presidential clemency granted to his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, affirming that he has long forgiven her for his son’s death.
Addressing journalists at a press conference held on Tuesday in Abuja, Alhaji Bello described the President’s decision as “the will of God”, commending the act of mercy which, according to him, would enable Ms. Sanda 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,” he said. “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.”
Ms. Sanda, the daughter of a former Aso Savings executive, was convicted in January 2020 and sentenced to death by hanging for the 2017 killing of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello — a nephew of former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Haliru Mohammed. The case, which stemmed from a domestic dispute in Abuja, drew widespread public condemnation and renewed calls for stronger legal protections against domestic violence.
Alhaji Bello revealed that his plea for clemency was not recent, explaining that he had appealed for mercy as far back as 2019, prior to the sentencing. He said he had written multiple letters to relevant authorities, including the then Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the FCT Commissioner of Police, seeking leniency for his daughter-in-law.
His position contrasts with that of certain relatives, who in a statement signed by Dr. Bello Mohammed described the presidential pardon as “the worst possible injustice any family could be made to endure.”
Reacting to the dissenting views, Alhaji Bello clarified that the statement did not reflect his 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 stated.
The development highlights divergent opinions within the victim’s family regarding the scope of executive clemency powers under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the balance between justice, mercy, and reconciliation in high-profile criminal cases.#newsafro_
