Slain Husband’s Family Condemns Tinubu’s Pardon for Maryam Sanda
The family of the late Bilyaminu Bello has strongly criticised the recent presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of murdering her husband. Describing the clemency as a “grave injustice,” the family said it has reopened emotional wounds that were just beginning to heal.
In a statement released on Monday, Dr. Bello Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the Bello family, condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to include Sanda among the 175 inmates granted pardon under the Prerogative of Mercy. Sanda had been sentenced to death in 2020 by an FCT High Court for the brutal killing of her husband, a verdict that was upheld by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
“To see Maryam Sanda walk free again, unburdened by the consequences of her actions, as though she merely swatted an insect, is a deep and painful betrayal of justice,” the family stated.
They highlighted Sanda’s apparent lack of remorse throughout the legal proceedings and expressed deep disappointment that years of judicial effort could be undone so easily. “We found some semblance of closure through the courts’ verdicts, but this pardon has shattered that fragile peace.”
The family alleged that the pardon was granted largely due to persistent appeals from Sanda’s relatives and accused the government of prioritising appeasement over justice. “This clemency, evidently granted to satisfy the pleas of her family, has completely disregarded the agony and trauma endured by Bilyaminu’s loved ones.”
They further criticised the government for undermining the justice system and dehumanising their son, portraying him as just another statistic in the country’s long list of crime victims. “We must remind the public that Bilyaminu was a cherished individual, not just a name on a legal document. Reducing him to a faceless victim is both cruel and unjust.”
Addressing the rationale behind Sanda’s release — particularly appeals made on behalf of her children — the family noted that she had already denied those same children the chance to experience a father's love. “It is heartbreaking that the same children now being cited as grounds for her release were the ones deprived of their father due to her own actions.”
Despite their deep pain, the family concluded by placing their ultimate hope in divine justice. “We take solace in knowing that the final and most complete justice rests with the Supreme Judge, who will judge all matters on the Day of Recompense.”
Maryam Sanda was convicted on January 27, 2020, for the murder of Bilyaminu Bello, whom she fatally stabbed on November 19, 2017, in their Abuja residence. Her conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2020 and affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2023. Her release was part of President Tinubu’s recent approval of clemency for 175 inmates nationwide, citing humanitarian grounds under the Prerogative of Mercy.
By Benita B. Ibrahim
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