Family of late Bilyaminu criticized presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda

The family of the late Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello has vehemently criticized the recent presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, calling it an act that has “reopened our healing wounds” and inflicted “the worst possible injustice.”

Their statement, issued by Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed (OFR) on behalf of Bilyaminu’s relatives, came shortly after Sanda was included among the 175 inmates receiving clemency from the Federal Government.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates

Bilyaminu Bello was murdered by his wife, Maryam Sanda, on November 19, 2017. She was convicted and sentenced to death by the FCT High Court on January 27, 2020, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal in December 2020 and confirmed by the Supreme Court on October 27, 2023.

The family expressed that the pardon diminishes their sense of justice and reopens old wounds. They stated, “For Maryam Sanda to walk free from her heinous crime as if it were a trivial act is the worst injustice any family could endure for a loved one.”

They also criticized the perceived “appeasement” of Sanda’s family, arguing that the clemency disregards the victim’s memory and the suffering of his family. They rejected the rationale for her release, which reportedly relied on appeals from her family and concern for her two children, stating that such reasoning was misguided.

The family pointed out, “Maryam had previously denied those same children the opportunity to experience a father’s love and care, which is now being used to evoke sympathy for her release.”

In closing, the Bello family expressed their faith in divine justice, affirming their belief that “ultimate and comprehensive justice rests with the Supreme Judge and our Creator.”