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The family of the late Bilyaminu Bello has expressed their disapproval of the presidential pardon granted to his wife, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted and sentenced to death for his murder.
In a statement issued on Monday, the family characterized the decision as the gravest injustice any family could endure.
They stated that President Bola Tinubu's choice to include Sanda among the 175 inmates recently pardoned under the Prerogative of Mercy principle has reopened painful wounds that had only just begun to heal.
“To see Maryam Sanda walk free, unblemished by her heinous crime as if she had merely stepped on an ant, represents the worst injustice any family could experience for a loved one,” the statement partially read.
The family noted that Sanda, who was convicted by the FCT High Court on January 27, 2020, for the premeditated and cold-blooded murder of her husband, has displayed no remorse at any point during the ordeal.
They recalled that the court’s ruling was upheld by the Court of Appeal on December 4, 2020, and was later confirmed by the Supreme Court on October 27, 2023, stating that the family had found some closure after justice was served.
“We were satisfied that justice had finally been delivered; the ruling provided a measure of closure given the circumstances, if such a thing were possible.
“Despite the perpetrator showing no remorse throughout the entire ordeal, the grieving family found solace in the judicial outcomes and began to move forward, having painfully accepted the fate that life had imposed on one of our own.
“This recent development, occurring just a few years after the heinous crime that tragically cut short Bilyaminu’s life, has, however, understandably reopened our healing wounds,” the family stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the presidential pardon of Maryam Sanda?
Maryam Sanda was included among the 175 inmates pardoned under the Prerogative of Mercy principle by President Bola Tinubu.
How did Bilyaminu Bello's family react to the pardon?
The family condemned the pardon, describing it as the worst possible injustice and stating that it reopened painful wounds.
What was the legal outcome of Maryam Sanda's case?
Maryam Sanda was convicted of murder by the FCT High Court, and her conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeal and later affirmed by the Supreme Court.
