The father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, has publicly expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to pardon his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for his son’s death.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the bereaved father said he had long forgiven Sanda and viewed her release as an act of divine mercy that would allow her to care for her children.
“I am happy that the father of the nation has released Maryam so that she can look after her children,” Isa 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.”
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 PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Haliru Mohammed — during a domestic altercation in Abuja in November 2017.
The case attracted widespread public attention and sparked national discussions on domestic violence and justice for victims.
Alhaji Isa revealed that his plea for leniency began even before the court delivered its judgment in 2020.
“Since 2019, I have been appealing for mercy. I wrote several letters to the authorities, including the then Attorney-General of the Federation and the FCT Commissioner of Police, asking for compassion for my daughter-in-law,” he said.
His comments come amid criticism from some members of the extended family, who had condemned President Tinubu’s decision as a miscarriage of justice.
However, Isa distanced himself from those remarks, insisting that forgiveness was a personal decision rooted in faith and peace.
“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.
Maryam Sanda’s presidential pardon was among those announced recently by President Tinubu as part of a broader amnesty exercise.
