The father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, Alhaji Bello Isa, has publicly declared that he has forgiven his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted and sentenced to death for killing his son in 2017.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for granting her a presidential pardon, describing his decision as an act of mercy and humanity.

“I Have Left Judgment to Allah” – Alhaji Isa

Speaking during a joint interview in Abuja alongside Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, Alhaji Isa said his forgiveness stemmed from deep faith and compassion.

“As a Muslim, I have accepted what happened. I have forgiven her and left judgment to Allah,” he said.

He added that his appeal for clemency was driven by concern for Maryam’s two young children, who had 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 said.

Early Pleas for Clemency Ignored

Documents revealed that Alhaji Isa had been advocating for Maryam’s release long before her conviction.

In 2019, he wrote to the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, seeking clemency for Maryam.

He also swore an affidavit before the FCT High Court on June 21, 2019, reaffirming his forgiveness and urging the withdrawal of the murder charge “so that my son’s soul could rest in peace according to Islamic injunction.”

Despite his efforts, those early appeals were not acted upon until President Tinubu approved a pardon under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy.

Maryam’s Father Expresses Gratitude

Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Alhaji Isa and his family for what he called a “rare act of compassion.”

“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 brought hope to both families and an opportunity for healing after years of pain and separation.

A Plea for Healing and Peace

Alhaji Isa emphasized that his decision was not influenced by public opinion but by his faith and desire for peace.

“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 also described the years since the judgment as painful, particularly for the children who could only visit their mother occasionally at the Suleja prison. He prayed that the pardon would give the children a chance to experience love and normalcy again.

Background

Maryam Sanda, wife of the late Bilyaminu Bello, son of former PDP chairman Haliru Bello was convicted in January 2020 for stabbing her husband to death in 2017 during a domestic dispute.

She was sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

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