President Tinubu's Pardon of Maryam Sanda Spawns Fresh Wounds for Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello's Family
The recent pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, the widow of Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to death by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on January 27, 2020, has sparked outrage among Bilyaminu's family. The family had found closure with the verdict, but President Tinubu's pardon has reopened the wound. The family has accused President Tinubu of inflicting "inexorable pain" on them by pardoning Maryam Sanda, whom they described as a "certified convicted murderer."
Key Takeaways:
- The High Court of the FCT convicted and sentenced Maryam Sanda to death on January 27, 2020, for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello.
- The Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence on December 4, 2020, and October 27, 2023, respectively.
- President Tinubu's pardon of Maryam Sanda has been met with anger from Bilyaminu's family, who describe it as the "worst possible injustice" any family could suffer.
- The family believes that President Tinubu's decision was driven by a desire to appease Maryam's family members, while ignoring the pain inflicted on Bilyaminu's grieving family members.
- The family is seeking solace in their faith, trusting that the ultimate justice will be dispensed by a higher power.
- Bilyaminu's family is comprised of multiple individuals, including Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, the Dangaladiman Gwandu, who issued a statement on behalf of the family.
Statistics:
- January 27, 2020: Date ofMaryam Sanda's conviction and sentencing to death
- December 4, 2020: Date of the Court of Appeal's upholding of the death sentence
- October 27, 2023: Date of the Supreme Court's upholding of the death sentence
- November 19, 2017: Date of Bilyaminu's murder
- 175: Number of convicted persons served on jail sentences for various criminal offenses, including those on death row, who were pardoned by President Tinubu.
Sources:
- Available on request