In a powerful act of compassion and faith, Ahmed Bello Isa, father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, has publicly supported President Bola Tinubu’s pardon of Maryam Sanda, the woman convicted of murdering his son. Speaking from Abuja, Isa said forgiveness, not vengeance, is the path to peace and healing for his family and the nation.
“I’ve forgiven her long ago,” Isa stated. “Vengeance won’t bring my son back, but forgiveness can bring peace.” His acceptance of the presidential clemency, which allows Maryam Sanda to care for her two young children, stems from deeply held religious beliefs and a humanitarian desire to mend broken family ties. He described the pardon as “the will of God” and emphasized that this merciful act embodies compassion and faith, a message often lost amid public outcry and divided opinions.
Isa’s support for the pardon surprises many given the tragedy’s painful background. He revealed he had quietly appealed for mercy long before the pardon, even writing letters to the former Attorney General and police authorities starting in 2019. His appeals highlighted mercy, remorse, and the importance of healing, hoping to ease the ongoing pain in a case that spotlighted domestic violence and justice system debates in Nigeria.
Though his stance contrasts with some relatives who see the pardon as unjust, Isa stresses his choice is personal and grounded in forgiveness. “We may not all see things the same way,” he said, “but I believe this is the right path, for peace, for the children, and for Allah’s mercy.” His words reflect a broad call for restorative justice over retribution and offer a hopeful model for reconciliation in Nigeria’s often harsh legal landscape.
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