The family of the late Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello has expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the recent decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to Maryam Sanda, who had been convicted and sentenced to death for the 2017 murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello.
In an official statement issued on Monday, the family’s spokesperson, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed (Dangaladiman Gwandu), condemned the pardon, describing it as a “grave injustice” to the memory of their loved one. The family called the decision a “cruel reopening of healing wounds,” pointing out that the pardon undermines the pursuit of justice and the efforts to heal from the tragedy.
Maryam Sanda was convicted in 2019 after a Nigerian court found her guilty of killing her husband in a domestic dispute. She had been sentenced to death by hanging, but her sentence was commuted earlier this week following the presidential pardon.
The family of Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello argues that the pardon disregards both the gravity of the crime and the pain the tragedy has caused them. In the statement, Dr. Mohammed reiterated that the decision to grant clemency was a stark contrast to the values of justice and fairness, stating that “this is not just an injustice to the memory of Bilyaminu, but an injustice to the larger society that seeks accountability for heinous crimes.”
The statement also noted that the pardon appears to open the door for potential similar cases, which could lead to further erosion of public trust in the justice system. “How can we trust that justice will prevail if those who commit such heinous acts are pardoned?” Dr. Mohammed asked in the statement.
While the Nigerian government has defended the pardon, citing Maryam Sanda’s time served and her personal circumstances, the family remains resolute in its belief that the action sends the wrong message.
Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello, a promising young man with a bright future, was tragically taken from his family and loved ones in a violent act. His relatives have been vocal about their desire for closure and justice in the years since the tragedy.
This latest development has sparked a public debate across Nigeria about the efficacy and fairness of presidential pardons and the broader implications for justice in the country. As the country continues to grapple with these complex issues, the family of Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello has vowed to seek further legal remedies and remain vocal in their demand for justice.
