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Bello shocks Nigerians: I’ve forgiven Maryam Sanda for my son’s death

Published

2 months ago

October 14, 2025

Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, father of the late Bilyaminu Bello

Bello shocks Nigerians: I’ve forgiven Maryam Sanda for my son’s death

Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, has expressed relief and gratitude following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant a presidential pardon to his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in connection with his son’s death.

Speaking in Abuja during a joint interview with Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, Alhaji Bello explained that his appeal for clemency was driven entirely by humanitarian concerns.

He revealed that he had been quietly seeking mercy for Maryam since her conviction, emphasizing that her execution would not bring back his son but would instead prolong the pain for both families, particularly affecting the children involved.

“As a Muslim, I have accepted what happened. I have forgiven her and left judgment to Allah,” he said.

Addressing reports that some relatives disagreed with his forgiveness, Alhaji Bello said everyone was entitled to their opinion, but as a father and a believer, forgiveness was the best path to peace.

“Vengeance cannot bring back my son, but forgiveness can bring peace to my family, to her family, and to the children who must not suffer any longer,” he added.

It was gathered that Alhaji Bello had written to the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the FCT Commissioner of Police as far back as 2019, seeking clemency for Maryam. Although his early pleas went unanswered, President Tinubu’s recent pardon under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy fulfilled his long-standing request.

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He said his first plea was made even before Maryam’s conviction in January 2020, recalling that on January 17, 2019, he wrote to the FCT Commissioner of Police stating that he had forgiven whoever was responsible for his son’s death and wanted the case withdrawn in line with Islamic principles.

He also swore an affidavit at the FCT High Court on June 21, 2019, reaffirming his forgiveness and calling for the withdrawal of the prosecution.

In another letter dated December 16, 2024, titled “Request for Exercise of Prerogative of Mercy for My Daughter-in-Law, Maryam Sanda Sentenced to Death by Hanging,” he wrote:

“There is nothing more painful than losing a son the way I lost Bilyaminu. What gives me comfort is that he left behind two beautiful children. I have forgiven Maryam, who was found guilty of killing my son.

“Before the end of the trial, I told both the Police and the Court that I did not want her prosecuted because I did not want a situation where my grandchildren, who had lost their father, would also lose their mother.

“I have taken it as the will of Almighty Allah. I do not blame Maryam for what happened. But now that she has been sentenced to death, I beg in the name of Allah for mercy. If she is killed, who will take care of her two children?”

He said since the 2020 judgment, the children had only been able to see their mother during occasional visits to the Suleja Correctional Facility — a situation he described as “heartbreaking for innocent children.”

Also speaking, Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, expressed deep gratitude to Alhaji Bello and his family for what he described as a rare act of compassion and forgiveness.

He confirmed that Alhaji Bello had consistently sought clemency for Maryam, writing letters, making appeals, and even recording video pleas since 2019 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Words cannot describe our appreciation to the Bello family for this gesture of mercy and reconciliation. We continue to pray that our families may heal and that these children will grow up knowing love from both sides,” he said.

He added that both families had maintained cordial communication since the tragedy, with Alhaji Bello actively advocating for mercy long before the conviction and throughout the appeal process.

Bello shocks Nigerians: I’ve forgiven Maryam Sanda for my son’s death

(Vanguard)

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

5 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.