The father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, has said he bears no grudge against his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was recently granted presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Alhaji Bello said he had forgiven Sanda long before the presidential clemency was announced, describing her release as “the will of God.”
“I am happy that the father of the nation has shown mercy to Maryam so she can take care of her children,” he said. “As Muslims, we accept whatever comes from Almighty Allah. I have forgiven her and hold no grudges against anyone. Vengeance cannot bring back my son, but forgiveness brings peace.”
Sanda was convicted and sentenced to death in January 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, a nephew of former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Haliru Mohammed. The incident, which occurred in November 2017 during a domestic dispute in Abuja, drew national attention to the issue of domestic violence.
Alhaji Bello revealed that his appeal for mercy began years ago, even before the final court verdict. According to him, he had written several letters to government authorities, including the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, pleading for leniency.
“My plea for mercy did not start today. I had written to the authorities since 2019, appealing that she be allowed to live for the sake of her children,” he said.
While a section of the deceased’s extended family, led by Dr. Bello Mohammed, criticised the presidential pardon as “a painful injustice,” Alhaji Bello distanced himself from the statement.
“That is their opinion,” he stated. “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.”
The decision by both President Tinubu and the bereaved father to embrace forgiveness has continued to stir conversations nationwide about mercy, justice, and the role of faith in healing deep personal loss.
