The biological father of the late Bilyaminu Bello has expressed relief and gratitude over the presidential pardon granted to his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who had been sentenced to death for the 2017 murder of his son.
Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, speaking in a joint interview on Tuesday in Abuja alongside Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, said his efforts to secure her release were motivated by compassion and concern for the welfare of the couple’s two young children.
“Losing a son in such a tragic way is unbearable, but my son left behind two wonderful children, Sa’adatu and Bilyaminu Jr. My prayer has always been for their well-being,” Bello Isa said. “I have forgiven Maryam. Executing her would not bring my son back, and I wanted her to be there to care for her children.”
He explained that his decision to forgive Maryam was rooted in his faith, leaving ultimate judgment to Allah. “I have made peace with what happened. My request has always been for mercy, so these children do not grow up without their mother,” he stated.
Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, also expressed profound gratitude to the Bello family for their gesture, describing it as “a remarkable act of faith and forgiveness.” He added, “We pray that healing and reconciliation continue for both families, and that the children grow up surrounded by love from all sides.”
Bello revealed that he had sought clemency for Maryam years before President Bola Tinubu granted the pardon, even writing to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami in 2019 to request mercy on humanitarian grounds.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Bello described the pardon as “the will of God” and an act of mercy that would allow Maryam 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,” he said.
He reiterated that he bore no grudges against Sanda, her family, or the federal government, emphasizing that forgiveness was the only path to healing from the tragedy.
Her release through presidential clemency has sparked widespread reactions across the country, but both families have stressed their commitment to forgiveness and cooperation, prioritizing the upbringing of the children in an environment of peace, compassion, and shared care.
The post “Compassion For The Children” — I Sought Tinubu’s Mercy For Maryam Sanda, Says Late Bilyaminu Bello’s Father appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.