Maryam Sanda: I’ve Accepted Her Pardon in Good Faith – Father of Murdered Husband

The biological father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, who was murdered by his wife, Maryam Sanda, in 2017, on Wednesday expressed his joy over the pardon of his daughter-in-law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In an unexpected turn of events which underscores an exceptional demonstration of forgiveness and large-heartedness, he said he had been on a quiet quest to secure freedom for Maryam, who had been on death row since her sentencing for the murder of her husband.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa stated that his motivation was purely humanitarian, and that he wanted his daughter-in-law released so she could look after her two young children, and that executing her would not bring back his son.

He explained that, as a devout Muslim, he had long accepted the tragic incident which has been a subject of public discussion, choosing to forgive and leave judgment to Allah.

He said he had previously written to both the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command in 2019, to seek clemency for Maryam Sanda.

Although those early appeals went unanswered, the recent pardon granted by President Tinubu under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy finally brought his request to fruition.

A letter dated December 16 2024, titled “Request for Exercise of Prerogative of Mercy for My Daughter-in-Law, Maryam Sanda Sentenced to Death by Hanging.”

He confirmed reports that some family members objected to his forgiveness and petition for clemency, saying he understood that people would hold different opinions on such a sensitive matter, but as both a father and a Muslim, he believes this was the best course of action for peace and humanity.

Also speaking, Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, expressed deep gratitude to Alhaji Bello and his entire family for their rare act of compassion, describing it as “a true reflection of faith and forgiveness.”

Culled from Arise TV