Ahmed Bello, father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, has disclosed that he was the one who personally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to pardon his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2017 for killing his son.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a joint interview with Maryam’s father, Garba Sanda, Bello said his plea was made out of compassion and concern for his two grandchildren, who had already lost their father.

He explained that taking Maryam’s life would not have eased the pain of losing his son but would have worsened it by leaving the children without both parents.

“As a Muslim, I accepted the tragedy as the will of Allah. I have forgiven Maryam for what happened,” he said. “Before the end of the trial, I even appealed to the police and the court to drop the case because I didn’t want my grandchildren to lose their mother too.”

Addressing reports that some relatives disapproved of the presidential pardon, Bello said everyone had a right to their opinion but maintained that his forgiveness was total and sincere.

Maryam’s father, Garba Sanda, expressed profound gratitude to the Bello family for their mercy and understanding, describing their act as one of faith and humanity.

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for this gesture of mercy and reconciliation. We pray for continuous healing and that the children grow up in love and peace,” he said.

Both families affirmed their decision to move forward in forgiveness and unity, vowing to raise Bilyaminu’s children together in a peaceful and loving environment.

President Bola Tinubu recently granted Maryam Sanda a presidential pardon after she had spent over six years in prison.