Bilyaminu Bello’s Father Backs Tinubu’s Pardon for Daughter-in-Law

Father of the slain Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, has graciously embraced the clemency bestowed upon his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, by President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he has long since absolved her for the tragic death of his beloved son.

During a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the elder Bello expressed his heartfelt approval of the presidential pardon, interpreting it as “the will of God,” and characterizing Sanda’s release as a compassionate gesture that would enable her to nurture her two children.

“I am delighted that our nation’s leader has granted Maryam freedom so that she can tend to her children.

“As Muslims, we accept whatever is decreed by Almighty Allah. I harbor no resentment towards her or the Federal Government. Retribution cannot resurrect my son, but forgiveness fosters tranquility,” he stated.

In the wake of a tragic road incident, a widow shared the sorrow of her husband’s untimely demise.

Maryam Sanda, the offspring of a former executive at Aso Savings, was sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, who was a nephew of the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bello Haliru Mohammed.

The grievous act, which transpired in November 2017 amid a domestic altercation in Abuja, ignited widespread outrage across the nation and highlighted critical concerns surrounding domestic violence and the quest for justice.

Bello noted that his plea for mercy reached back to 2019, prior to the court’s issuance of the death penalty.

He revealed that he had penned several letters to various authorities, including the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as well as the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, pleading for leniency for his daughter-in-law.

Earlier on Monday, a statement authored by Dr. Bello Mohammed, representing some relatives, criticized the pardon, calling it “the worst possible injustice any family could endure.” However, in response, Bello dismissed this statement, clarifying that it did not reflect his sentiments.

“That is their individual perspective. I am the father of the deceased, and I have chosen the path of forgiveness. We may not all share the same viewpoint, but I believe this is the correct course for the sake of peace, for the welfare of the children, and for Allah’s mercy,” he concluded.