Maryam Sanda’s release, worst injustice to us – Husband’s family - Newstrends
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Maryam Sanda’s release, worst injustice to us – Husband’s family

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Maryam Sanda’s release, worst injustice to us – Husband’s family

The family of the late Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello has expressed disappointment over the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of her husband.

In a statement released on Monday, signed by Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed (Dangaladiman Gwandu) on behalf of the family, the relatives of the deceased described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant Sanda clemency as a “cruel reopening of healing wounds” and a grave injustice to the memory of their loved one.

Bilyaminu’s family said they are deeply hurt by Maryam’s release, describing it as an attempt to appease her family while disregarding the lasting anguish inflicted on the victim’s relatives, friends, and associates.

Sanda, 37, was among 175 convicted persons granted presidential pardon and clemency last Thursday under the Prerogative of Mercy powers.

The list, released by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, included individuals serving sentences for various crimes — from illegal mining and drug offences to capital offences such as murder.

On the list are illegal miners, white-collar convicts, drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, as well as capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa, and the other Ogoni eight.

The move followed the Council of State’s endorsement of recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Onanuga said the pardons were based on reports indicating that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct.

The presidential pardon has sparked public outrage and renewed debate about the fairness and moral implications of Nigeria’s Prerogative of Mercy process.

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Maryam Sanda’s conviction for the culpable homicide of her husband, whom she stabbed to death during a domestic dispute in their Abuja home, remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile cases of domestic violence and spousal murder.

Sanda was arraigned before an FCT High Court, where she maintained her innocence throughout the trial.

After a protracted legal battle that drew nationwide attention, Justice Yusuf Halilu, in January 2020, found her guilty of killing her husband and sentenced her to death by hanging. She had spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.

‘Her release, worst injustice for any family’

Bilyaminu’s family said Sanda’s release represents “the worst possible injustice any family could be made to go through for a loved one,” describing her as a “certified convicted murderer” who had shown no remorse throughout her trial and appeals.
Out of respect for the two innocent children left behind, Bilyaminu’s family said they had chosen silence since the tragic incident of November 19, 2017, despite several false narratives allegedly sponsored by Sanda’s camp.
They stated that they had placed their faith in the judicial system, which upheld the FCT High Court’s death sentence through rulings by the Court of Appeal in December 2020 and the Supreme Court in October 2023.
The family noted that those judgments offered a measure of closure, even though Sanda never showed remorse.
However, they said the recent presidential pardon has painfully reopened old wounds, describing Sanda’s release as a grave injustice that makes the victim’s life seem insignificant.
The family also faulted the rationale behind the pardon, allegedly influenced by appeals from Sanda’s family, stressing that Bilyaminu was equally a beloved son, friend, and associate who was “grievously denied the opportunity to live and raise his children.”
They said they sought solace in divine justice, expressing faith that “ultimate justice resides with the Supreme Judge and Creator,” and prayed for the repose of Bilyaminu’s soul and strength for his children and loved ones to bear the pain of his loss.
The full statement from Bilyaminu’s family…
When Prerogative of Mercy Inflicts Inexorable Pain

In exercise of his discretionary power and authority to grant clemency under the Prerogative of Mercy principle, His Excellency, Mr. President, recently granted Presidential pardons to a total of 175 convicted persons serving jail sentences for various criminal offences. Some of those on the list included individuals on death row, and others who were pardoned posthumously.

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One name that stood out for us as a family is that of Maryam Sanda, a lady convicted and sentenced to death by the FCT High Court on Monday, 27th January 2020, for the premeditated and cold-blooded murder of her husband and beloved family member of ours, the late Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello.

Considering the delicately sensitive nature of the situation involving two innocent children of the deceased victim, the family has deliberately refrained from making any public statement or comments since the unfortunate, sad incident, which occurred on that fateful night of Sunday, 19th November 2017. This was despite several sponsored write-ups from the accused perpetrator’s camp containing series of falsehoods against the deceased, without factoring the children’s best interest. We, instead, placed our trust and abiding confidence in the nation’s judicial process to run its full course and deliver justice for the deceased victim and his family.

The appeals process reaffirmed the FCT High Court’s death sentence through the Federal Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judgements of Friday, 4th December 2020, and Friday, 27th October 2023, respectively. Satisfied that justice had finally been served, the judgment provided some closure of sorts in the circumstance, if ever there could be one. Although the perpetrator had shown no remorse even for a fleeting moment throughout the saga, the grieving family took solace in the judgements and moved on, having painfully come to terms with the fate that life had thrust upon one of our own.

This latest turn of events, coming just a few years after the dastardly crime that cruelly cut short Bilyaminu’s life has, however, expectedly reopened our healing wounds. To have Maryam Sanda walk the face of the earth again, free from any blemish for her heinous crime as if she had merely squashed an ant, is the worst possible injustice any family could be made to go through for a loved one.

We are, therefore, compelled to issue this formal statement to humanise Bilyaminu, who is now suddenly being made to appear as if he is just another faceless anonymous individual in the long line of victims of crimes in the country: a mere statistical figure.

The alleged grounds for Maryam Sanda’s release were predicated on appeals from her family, amongst other considerations. It is pertinent to stress that Bilyaminu was also our cherished family member who was profoundly loved and deeply mourned by his teeming relations, friends and close associates following the unfortunate incident that resulted in his gruesome murder eight years ago. Maryam, let’s not forget, had earlier on denied the same children now used to elicit sympathy and secure her release, the opportunity to know what a father’s love and care means.

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Bilyaminu’s family is deeply hurt by this latest development, which we interpret as primarily driven by the sole motivation for appeasing Maryam’s family members by way of extending mercy to a certified convicted murderer, while at the same time overlooking or conveniently ignoring the corresponding inexorable pain that has now been inflicted on the victim’s teeming grieving family members, friends and associates arising from the action.

We take solace in the simple fact that in such matters, the ultimate comprehensive justice resides purely with the Supreme Judge and our Creator, who will dispense this matter on the Day of Recompense where no one can be at liberty to intercede on behalf of anyone else.

We beseech Almighty Allah SWT to grant the soul of our dear Bilyaminu eternal rest and grant us the fortitude to continue to bear his sad loss even in the light of this latest development. May Allah also be there at every turn of his children’s needs and raise them to be good obedient Muslims and patriotic Nigerians, Ameen.

Lawyers react

Two lawyers have expressed differing opinions on the presidential pardon granted. Ebuka Nwaeze, Esq., stated that the power of pardon lies solely within the discretion of the president or a state governor, depending on the case, and does not legally require the consent or input of the victim of the offence.

“The moral consequences of how the president exercises that power are for the voting public to decide,” he said.

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However, E.M.D. Umukoro, Esq. argued that while the law does not explicitly mandate consultation with victims before granting a pardon, those exercising such powers should consider the victims’ interests and feelings.

“The framers of the law expected the exercise of discretionary powers to be guided by purpose, sincerity, impartiality, justice, and truth, ensuring that victims are neither humiliated nor disregarded,” he said.

Umukoro further stressed that the president should have provided justification for the clemency, such as new evidence or errors in the original trial, to show that the pardon was not arbitrary.

“It is important for the victims of these crimes that certain explanations are given; otherwise, it could be seen as a miscarriage of justice, a charade, and a disregard for the rule of law,” he added.

No release date yet – NCoS

Meanwhile, speaking to Daily Trust, the spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Umar Abubakar, said the service was yet to receive the list of inmates to be released.

“It was a presidential pronouncement, but we have not received the official communication yet,” he said, adding that “sometimes, it takes time.”

He, however, promised to our reporter when his office officially receives the list.

However, a source who spoke with Daily Trust last night stated the procedure for release of beneficiaries of such pardon. He said following the pronouncement, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation will write to the Minister of Interior, who will thereafter give a directive to the Controller-General of Corrections on the issue.

He said the Controller-General of Corrections will then disseminate information across custodial centres in the country, directing them to check and take action. The source confirmed that this has not yet been done.

Maryam Sanda’s release, worst injustice to us – Husband’s family

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Peller, Jarvis’ Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

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Peller, Jarvis' Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

Peller, Jarvis’ Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

  • Nigeria’s favourite TikTok couple, Habeeb “Peller” Hamzat and Elizabeth “Jarvis” Amadou, have officially tied the knot in a spectacular Lagos ceremony that blended celebrity glamour, jaw-dropping generosity, and digital-age storytelling. The #JP2026 wedding has become one of the most talked-about entertainment events of the year.

Peller and Jarvis have built their relationship in the public eye, sharing their journey through livestreams, collaborative content, and regular appearances that endeared them to millions of followers. Their wedding was the culmination of a series of pre-wedding celebrations that began with a romantic proposal at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Ghana in June 2026. The couple then honoured their cultural roots with a traditional marriage ceremony in Benin City, followed by a civil wedding in Lagos on July 29. Saturday’s grand white wedding brought together family, friends, and fans to witness the union of two of Nigeria’s most influential digital creators. The bride and groom dazzled in their wedding attire, with Peller donning an elaborate Edo-inspired outfit that paid homage to his heritage, while Jarvis complemented him in a breathtaking bridal ensemble that quickly became the talk of social media.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the #JP2026 celebration was the extraordinary generosity shown by well-wishers, with gifts arriving even before the wedding day. Ahead of the ceremony, businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, donated N10 million in support of the wedding. His contribution set the tone for the lavish celebrations to come. American entrepreneur and renowned TikTok benefactor Gregory Pizarro Jr. made the journey to Lagos specifically for the occasion. During a meeting with Peller at his hotel, he presented the groom with a cash gift of $20,000, demonstrating the global reach of the couple’s influence. Chief Executive Officer of Promiseland Estate, Lawrence Emmanuel, gifted the couple a plot of land in Abuja valued at N150 million, providing them with a valuable asset in the nation’s capital.

However, the biggest surprise of the day came during the wedding reception when real estate entrepreneur King Ochacho, speaking on behalf of his family, announced the gift of a fully furnished luxury mansion in the upscale Life Camp district of Abuja. The property is reportedly valued at an astonishing N400 million. Presenting the gift, King Ochacho explained his motivation: “I and my family left everything we are doing in Abuja just to come through for Peller because he is an inspiration to this generation.” He added that after consultations with his sons, they decided, “We want Peller to be staying close to Palace Seven,” noting that houses in that area are worth no less than N400 million.

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The ceremony attracted a who’s who of Nigeria’s entertainment and social media scene. The extensive guest list read like a roll call of the nation’s most influential personalities. The film industry was well represented by Iyabo Ojo, Eniola Badmus, Moyo Lawal, Jigan Baba Oja, and Foluke Daramola, adding their star power to the celebration. The music industry showed up in full force with Zinoleesky, Seun Kuti, Femi Kuti, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, and Fuji musician Sule Alao Malaika, who kept guests entertained with electrifying performances. The digital space was represented by Nons Miraj, Papaya Ex, Cute Abiola, Isbae U, Aunty Ramota, Geh Geh, and countless others who have built their careers alongside Peller and Jarvis. Cubana Chief Priest, Daddy Freeze, Pretty Mike, and Soso Soberekon were among the distinguished guests, along with Gregory Pizarro Jr., who made the trip from the United States specifically for the wedding.

Staying true to their reputation as digital content creators, Peller and Jarvis made history by streaming the wedding live across YouTube and Twitch. The livestream attracted over 50,000 virtual guests, who flooded the comment sections with well wishes from every corner of the globe. The decision to broadcast such an intimate moment demonstrated the couple’s commitment to their fans and their understanding of modern celebrity culture. Viewers from North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia tuned in to witness the event in real-time.

The wedding venue was nothing short of spectacular, featuring luxury automobiles on display that showcased the couple’s taste for fine things, coordinated aso-ebi attire that created a visually stunning sea of colours, a competition with a reported N5 million prize for the best-dressed attendee, and live Fuji music performances by Sule Alao Malaika that kept the energy high throughout the celebration.

One of the most talked-about moments of the wedding was the appearance of content creator Emmanuel Obruste, better known as GehGeh, as one of Peller’s groomsmen. GehGeh made a grand entrance in a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, and videos of him dancing with the other groomsmen quickly went viral across social media platforms. His enthusiastic participation surprised many because he had previously been a vocal critic of Peller’s decision to marry. In a past interview, GehGeh argued that financial success was not the sole basis for marriage, stressing that Peller was “still growing as a child” and needed to be ready “mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” The irony of his role at the ceremony sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising him for supporting his friend despite their differences, while others questioned his previous stance. Regardless, his presence added another layer of intrigue to the high-profile event.

The Peller and Jarvis wedding represents more than just a celebrity union; it signals the mainstream acceptance of digital creators as cultural icons. A generation ago, social media influencers were dismissed as passing fads, but the #JP2026 celebration demonstrates that content creators now command the same respect, influence, and wealth as traditional celebrities. The sheer value of the gifts received—totalling hundreds of millions of naira—reflects the economic power of the creator economy and the willingness of business leaders to align themselves with digital influencers.

The wedding generated massive engagement across digital platforms, with the hashtag #JP2026 trending on multiple social media networks. Fans expressed their joy, congratulations, and even envy at the couple’s good fortune. Many commentators noted that Peller and Jarvis have achieved in a short time what takes others decades, while others praised them for staying grounded despite their success. The couple has promised to continue sharing their journey with fans, hinting at future content that will document their married life.

As Nigeria’s most talked-about celebrity couple begins their new chapter, fans are eager to see what comes next. Will they expand their content empire? Will they venture into other business pursuits? One thing is certain: Peller and Jarvis have proven that with talent, dedication, and the right connections, the digital world can open doors to unimaginable success. The #JP2026 wedding has set a new standard for celebrity weddings in Nigeria, blending traditional values, modern influence, and extraordinary generosity into an event that will be remembered for years to come.

 

Peller, Jarvis’ Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

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Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

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Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the killing of a soldier during a deadly ambush in Imo State and recovered several weapons, including military rifles believed to have been stolen during the attack.

The arrests followed months of intelligence-led investigations and coordinated operations conducted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA (OPUK) across Rivers, Delta and Imo states.

The operation was launched after an ambush on May 4, 2026, in which one soldier was killed, another sustained injuries and service weapons were reportedly taken away by the attackers.

Security sources said sustained intelligence gathering, targeted raids and the interrogation of previously arrested suspects provided information that helped investigators identify three men believed to be key suspects in the attack.

The suspects were identified as Albert Tony, popularly known as “Chiboy”; Temple Eburua, also known as “Marathon”; and Vitalis Eburua, alias “Onowu.”

Investigators reportedly established that the suspects fled to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after the attack before relocating to Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State with the assistance of an associate identified as Mr Abire.

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Troops reportedly arrested Abire in Port Harcourt on July 30. During questioning, he allegedly provided intelligence that led security operatives to the suspected hideout of the three men in Delta State.

Acting on the information, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade moved into Delta State in the early hours of July 31 and worked with personnel of the 181 Battalion to conduct a coordinated raid at Opaebe in Oleh.

The operation led to the arrest of the three suspects, who were taken into military custody for further investigation.

Following their arrest, the suspects allegedly led troops to a hideout in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, where weapons believed to have been stolen during the May ambush were concealed.

Further intelligence-led operations reportedly led security personnel to another suspected camp at Umudike Plantation, where additional weapons, ammunition and other materials were recovered.

Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle and two FN rifle magazines believed to have been taken from the soldiers during the ambush.

Troops also recovered three additional AK-47 rifles, nine AK-47 magazines, one pistol with its magazine, 194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and a fragmentation jacket.

Other materials suspected to be connected to the activities of the criminal network were also seized during the operation.

The three suspects are currently being held by the 34 Artillery Brigade for further interrogation as investigators work to identify other individuals who may be connected to the attack and determine the full scope of the group’s activities.

Military sources described the arrests and recovery of the weapons as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks responsible for attacks on security personnel.

The recovery of the suspected stolen service weapons is expected to support ongoing investigations into the May ambush and help security agencies trace other individuals who may have played a role in the attack.

The operation also reflects the continued use of intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations to disrupt armed groups, recover illegal weapons and improve security across Imo State and neighbouring areas.

Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

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Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

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Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

A joint military task force has rescued a senior Nigerian Army officer, Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, and a civilian, Mr Ikechukwu Onwuanra, following a 10-day intelligence-led search-and-rescue operation across forests and neighbouring communities in Enugu State.

The rescue operation was conducted by troops under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, involving personnel from the 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion (Reinforced), the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and the 197 Special Forces Battalion.

The joint operation was led by the Commander of the 82 Division Garrison, with support from the Air Component, which provided surveillance and helped sustain pressure on suspected criminal hideouts.

Security sources said the troops carried out extensive search operations across the Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests, as well as nearby communities in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The operation reportedly intensified between the evening of July 31 and the early hours of August 1 after security personnel received actionable intelligence concerning the possible location of the abducted victims.

At about 2:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer of the Inyi Division alerted the troops to information pointing to the suspected location of Lt. Col. Amobi and Onwuanra.

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The troops immediately mobilised and launched a fighting patrol into the area, where the two victims were found abandoned at the edge of a forest in Inyi.

Reports indicated that both victims sustained gunshot wounds during their captivity. They were safely evacuated from the area and taken to Inyi before being transferred to the 82 Division Medical Hospital for treatment and comprehensive medical evaluation.

During preliminary debriefing, the victims reportedly told security personnel that they were blindfolded shortly after their abduction and taken to an unknown location.

They were later abandoned in a forest around the Enugu–Anambra border as sustained military operations restricted the movement of their captors and placed them under increasing operational pressure.

Military sources attributed the successful rescue to the persistent intelligence-led offensive mounted by the joint force, supported by aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations.

The sustained pressure reportedly disrupted the kidnappers’ activities, limited their freedom of movement and forced them to abandon the victims before fleeing the area.

The rescue highlights the continued use of coordinated intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and joint security operations in efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities across parts of the South-East.

The military is expected to provide further information as follow-up operations and security assessments continue.

Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

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