The father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Bello Isa, has made a remarkable public statement, declaring that he has forgiven his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of his son in 2017. His announcement comes in the wake of a presidential pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu, which he described as an act of mercy and a gesture of humanity, reflecting both personal conviction and faith in divine justice.
In a joint interview held in Abuja alongside Maryam Sanda’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, Alhaji Isa detailed the deep personal and religious motivations behind his decision to forgive. “As a Muslim, I have accepted what happened. I have forgiven her and left judgment to Allah,” he stated, underscoring that his faith guided his response to a situation that could have easily fueled anger and resentment.
Alhaji Isa emphasized that his plea for clemency was motivated by concern for Maryam’s two young children, who have been separated from their mother since her incarceration. “Vengeance cannot bring back my son, but forgiveness can bring peace to my family, to her family, and to the children who must not suffer any longer,” he added, highlighting the importance of reconciliation and healing over prolonged grief and anger.
Earlier Efforts for Clemency
Historical documents reveal that Alhaji Isa had long advocated for Maryam’s release, even prior to her conviction. In 2019, he formally petitioned the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, requesting clemency for Maryam. He also submitted an affidavit before the FCT High Court on June 21, 2019, reaffirming his forgiveness and requesting the withdrawal of the murder charge, explaining that such an action would allow his son’s soul to rest peacefully in accordance with Islamic principles.
Despite these early appeals, official action was not taken until President Tinubu invoked the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy to approve the pardon, bringing an end to years of legal limbo and providing a chance for familial reconciliation.
Maryam’s Father Expresses Gratitude
Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, publicly expressed deep gratitude to Alhaji Isa and his family, praising them for their rare act of compassion. “Words cannot describe our appreciation to the Isa family for this gesture of mercy and reconciliation,” he said, noting that Alhaji Isa had consistently advocated for forgiveness and justice, and had maintained contact with Maryam’s family throughout the process.
He highlighted that the pardon had offered both families hope and an opportunity for healing after years of pain, separation, and public scrutiny, underscoring the importance of mercy in restoring dignity and familial bonds.
A Plea for Healing and Lasting Peace
Alhaji Isa clarified that his decision to forgive was driven solely by his faith and commitment to peace, rather than public opinion or societal pressure. “Anybody who wants to say something is free to say it. But to me, as a father, I leave everything to God,” he explained, emphasizing that divine judgment, rather than human revenge, guides his actions.
He also reflected on the years since the court judgment, describing them as painful, particularly for the children, who had limited access to their mother during her imprisonment. Alhaji Isa expressed hope that the pardon would allow the children to experience familial love, stability, and normalcy once again, while fostering understanding and reconciliation between the two families.
Background
Maryam Sanda, wife of the late Bilyaminu Bello, son of former PDP chairman Haliru Bello, was convicted in January 2020 for the fatal stabbing of her husband during a domestic dispute in 2017. The Federal Capital Territory High Court sentenced her to death by hanging, a ruling that remained in effect until the presidential pardon intervened, offering a chance for forgiveness and closure.
The pardon, widely covered by national media, has sparked conversations about mercy, justice, and the power of forgiveness, illustrating a rare example of reconciliation in a case marked by tragedy and public attention.
See below;