The father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, who was killed by his wife, Maryam Sanda, has publicly expressed joy and relief following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant his daughter-in-law a presidential pardon.
Speaking in Abuja during a joint interview with Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, the bereaved father, Alhaji Bello Isa, said his long-standing efforts to secure Maryam’s freedom were driven purely by humanitarian and religious reasons.
Alhaji Isa revealed that he had been quietly advocating for Maryam’s release since her conviction and death sentence, insisting that executing her would not bring his son back but only deepen the pain for both families.
“As a Muslim, I have accepted what happened. I have forgiven her and left judgment to Allah,” he said.
Responding to reports that some family members opposed his decision, Isa said forgiveness remained the most peaceful path forward.
“Vengeance cannot bring back my son, but forgiveness can bring peace — to my family, her family, and most importantly, to the children who should not continue to suffer. People are free to have their opinions, but I have left everything to God,” he stated.
It was revealed that Alhaji Isa had written several letters to the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the FCT Commissioner of Police as far back as 2019, seeking clemency for Maryam.
He noted that his first plea for leniency came even before her formal conviction in January 2020, when he wrote to the police declaring that he had forgiven whoever was responsible for his son’s death and urged that the case be withdrawn in line with Islamic principles of forgiveness.
On June 21, 2019, Isa also swore an affidavit at the FCT High Court, reaffirming his forgiveness and formally requesting that the prosecution be discontinued.
Since Maryam’s imprisonment, Isa lamented that his grandchildren had only been able to see their mother during brief visits to the Suleja Correctional Centre, describing the separation as heartbreaking for the young children.
Also speaking, Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, expressed deep gratitude to Alhaji Isa and his family for what he called a rare act of compassion and reconciliation.
He confirmed that Isa’s appeals for mercy had begun long before Maryam’s conviction, including letters and recorded pleas made during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“Words cannot express our appreciation to the Isa family for their mercy and forgiveness. We pray that this act of kindness brings healing to both families and that the children will grow up surrounded by love from both sides,” Garba said.
He added that both families had maintained communication throughout the ordeal, emphasizing that Isa’s call for clemency was consistent and heartfelt.
