By Titilope Adako

Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, has publicly accepted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant clemency to Maryam Sanda, his daughter-in-law who was convicted of killing his son.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the grieving father described the presidential pardon as “the will of God,” and said he had long forgiven Sanda for the 2017 incident that led to his son’s death. He expressed hope that the pardon would allow her 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. We as Muslims accept whatever comes from Almighty Allah,” he said. “I have forgiven her and bear no grudges against the Federal Government or her family. Vengeance cannot bring back my son, but forgiveness can bring peace.”

Sanda, daughter of a former Aso Savings executive, was sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 after being found guilty of killing her husband during a domestic dispute in November 2017. The case sparked national outrage and renewed debates on domestic violence and justice in Nigeria.

Alhaji Bello revealed that his calls for mercy began as far back as 2019—before the final court ruling—when he wrote several letters to authorities, including the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, urging compassion for Maryam.

Addressing criticism from some relatives who opposed the presidential pardon, he dismissed their objections, noting that they did not speak for the entire family.

“That is their personal opinion,” he said. “I am the father of the deceased, and I have chosen forgiveness. We may not all see things the same way, but I believe this is the right path—for peace, for the children, and for Allah’s mercy.”

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