By Charles Pemu 
Abuja — Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, the grieving father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, has publicly accepted the clemency granted to his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, by President Bola Tinubu, stating he had forgiven her long ago for his son’s tragic death.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the elderly Bello characterized the presidential pardon as an act of mercy and “the will of God,” primarily welcomed to allow Sanda to care for her two children.
“I am happy that the father of the nation has released Maryam so that she can look after her children,” Alhaji Bello 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 the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, who was a nephew of former Peoples Democratic Party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Haliru Mohammed. The killing, which followed a domestic dispute in November 2017, had sparked national outrage and fueled conversations on domestic violence.
Alhaji Bello revealed that his pursuit of mercy for Sanda dates back to 2019, predating the court’s death sentence. He confirmed writing numerous letters to federal authorities, including the then-Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, appealing for leniency for his daughter-in-law.
Dismissing Family Outrage
The father’s statement of forgiveness comes a day after some relatives, represented by Dr. Bello Mohammed, publicly criticized the pardon as “the worst possible injustice.”
However, Alhaji Bello dismissed the dissenting statement, clarifying that it did not reflect his position.
“That is their personal 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.