Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, the biological father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, who was tragically killed by his wife, Maryam Sanda, in 2017, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting his daughter-in-law a pardon.
Recall, Dockaysworld reported that the president’s pardon of 175 convicts had not gone down well with many Nigerians who felt the power of mercy was misused.
In a joint interview held in Abuja on Tuesday with Alhaji Garba Sanda, Maryam’s father, Alhaji Bello revealed that he had quietly pursued her freedom for years.
He explained that his efforts stemmed purely from humanitarian reasons; to ensure Maryam could be reunited with her two young children. According to him, executing her would serve no purpose, as “it would not bring back his son.”
He went on to explain that, “as a devout Muslim, I had long accepted the tragic incident which has been a subject of public discussion, choosing to forgive and leave judgment to Allah.”
Recalling the pain of losing his son, he said, “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.”
Alhaji Bello further stated, “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 added, “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.”
Responding to concerns from some family members who reportedly disapproved of the presidential pardon, Alhaji Bello said, “Anyone has the freedom in his family to express himself but as the biological father, he has forgiven her.”
In his own remarks, Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, conveyed deep appreciation to Alhaji Bello and his family for their extraordinary compassion. He described their act as “a true reflection of faith and forgiveness.”
He said: “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.”
Both families affirmed their decision to embrace forgiveness and faith rather than bitterness, pledging to raise the children in an environment filled with peace, understanding, and love.
