The father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Bello Isa, has publicly announced that he has forgiven his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted and sentenced to death for his son’s murder in 2017.
Alhaji Isa expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for granting Maryam a presidential pardon, describing the move as an act of compassion and mercy.
“I Have Left Judgment to Allah” – Alhaji Isa
During a joint interview in Abuja with Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, Alhaji Isa explained that his forgiveness came from a place of faith and empathy.
“As a Muslim, I have accepted what happened. I have forgiven her and left judgment to Allah,” he said.
He added that his decision to seek clemency was motivated by the wellbeing of Maryam’s two children, who had been separated from their mother since her imprisonment.
“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 said.
Early Pleas for Clemency Ignored
Records show that Alhaji Isa had been advocating for Maryam’s release long before her conviction was finalized.
In 2019, he wrote to the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, pleading for mercy on Maryam’s behalf. He also swore an affidavit before the FCT High Court on June 21, 2019, confirming his forgiveness and urging authorities to withdraw the murder charge “so that my son’s soul could rest in peace according to Islamic injunction.”
Although those appeals were not granted at the time, President Tinubu later approved a pardon for Maryam under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy.
Maryam’s Father Expresses Gratitude
Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, thanked Alhaji Isa for his kindness and understanding, describing the forgiveness as a rare show of humanity.
“Words cannot describe our appreciation to the Isa family for this gesture of mercy and reconciliation,” he said. “From the beginning, Alhaji Isa has always stood for forgiveness. He wrote to the police and Attorney General before the conviction, asking that the matter be discontinued. We have remained in touch ever since.”
He added that the pardon had given both families renewed hope and the chance to heal from years of grief.
A Plea for Healing and Peace
Alhaji Isa emphasized that his forgiveness was driven purely by his faith and desire for peace, not public pressure.
“Anybody who wants to say something is free to say it. But to me, as a father, I leave everything to God,” he said.
He described the years following the judgment as deeply painful, especially for the children who could only visit their mother occasionally in Suleja prison. He prayed that the presidential pardon would allow them to rebuild their lives in peace.
Background
Maryam Sanda, wife of the late Bilyaminu Bello son of former PDP chairman Haliru Bello was convicted in January 2020 for fatally stabbing her husband during a domestic altercation in 2017. She was sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.