Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, who was murdered by his wife, Maryam Sanda, in 2017, expressed profound joy on Wednesday, October 14, over the presidential pardon granted to his daughter-in-law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In an unexpected display of forgiveness and large-heartedness, Alhaji Bello Isa revealed that he had been making quiet attempts to secure freedom for Maryam, who had been on death row since her sentencing for her husband's murder.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Alhaji Garba Sanda, Maryam's father, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa stated that his motivation was purely humanitarian. He emphasized his desire for his daughter-in-law's release so she could care for her two young children, asserting that executing her would not bring back his son. As a devout Muslim, he explained that he had long accepted the tragic incident, choosing to forgive and leave judgment to Allah.

Alhaji Bello Isa's efforts to seek clemency for Maryam Sanda began even before her conviction. 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, appealing for her freedom. He made his first plea for Sanda to be set free before her conviction in January 2020. He recalled writing to the Commissioner of Police on January 17, 2019, stating his forgiveness for whoever was responsible for his son’s death and appealing for the charge to be withdrawn so his son’s soul could rest in peace according to Islamic injunction. He further swore an affidavit at the FCT High Court on June 21, 2019, reaffirming his forgiveness and pleading for the prosecution to be withdrawn. Although these 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 he wrote, dated December 16, 2024, titled “Request for Exercise of Prerogative of Mercy for My Daughter-in-Law, Maryam Sanda Sentenced to Death by Hanging,” underscored his persistent advocacy.

In this letter and during the press conference, Alhaji Bello Isa shared his sentiments: “There is nothing more painful than for someone to lose a son in the way I lost my son, Bilyaminu. However, what gives me some measure of comfort is that he left behind two beautiful children, my granddaughter, Sa’adatu Bilyaminu, and my grandson, Bilyaminu Bilyaminu, named after his father. I have forgiven Maryam who was found guilty of killing my son. Before the end of the trial, I made every effort to let both the Police and the Court know that I did not want her prosecuted, because I did not want a situation where my grandchildren, who had lost their father so tragically, would also lose their mother.” He reiterated, “I have taken it as the will of Almighty Allah, what happened to my son, and I do not blame Maryam for it. However, now that she has been sentenced to death, I beg in the name of Almighty Allah for mercy. If she is killed, who will take care of her two children? They will grow up as orphans, without a father or a mother’s love.”

The grieving father emphasized that since the 2020 judgment, the children had only been able to see and bond with their mother during occasional visits to the Suleja Correctional Facility, a situation he described as “heartbreaking for innocent children.” Responding to reports that some family members objected to his forgiveness and petition for clemency, Alhaji Bello Isa acknowledged that people would hold different opinions on such a sensitive matter. However, as both a father and a Muslim, he firmly believes this was the best course of action for peace and humanity, adding that “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.”

Alhaji Garba Sanda, Maryam's father, expressed deep gratitude to Alhaji Bello and his entire family for their extraordinary act of compassion, describing it as “a true reflection of faith and forgiveness.” He added, “Words cannot describe our appreciation to the Bello family for this gesture of mercy and reconciliation. We continue to pray that something positive may yet emerge from this regrettable tragedy, that our families may heal, and that these children will grow up knowing love from both sides of their family.” The two families declared their choice of forgiveness, compassion, and faith over pain, committing to work together to raise the children in an atmosphere of peace and love. Maryam Sanda's case, which drew national attention in 2017, sparked widespread debate over domestic violence, gender issues, and the justice system in Nigeria.