Pardon disrespects memory of the deceased..undermines integrity of judicial system-Abu Hanan Assalafy
By Olawale Lamina
A concerned citizen, Mr. Abu Hanan Assalafy, who is a youth, human rights advocate and convener of Justice for All Network, a Non- Governmental Organisation has noted with grave reservations, the decision to grant Maryam Sanda a Presidential pardon, describing it as heartbreaking and deeply troubling.
In a statement made available to The Pinnacle Times on Friday, the human rights advocate noted that the pardon accorded Maryam Sanda, aged 37, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, “…sends a dangerous message – that justice in Nigeria can be overturned by sympathy or influence, rather than truth and accountability.”
According to the State House published statement on the matter and titled “DETAILS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PARDON AND CLEMENCY” on October 12, 2025, the argument for seeking for state pardon had stemmed from the remark that, “Her family pleaded for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children. The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner.”
Mr. Abu Hanan Assalafy, like many other Nigerians expressed their deepest surprised at the decision of the President Tinubu-led government to grant a presidential pardon to Maryam Sanda
Assalafy said: “the family of the late Bilyaminu Bello has every right to feel betrayed. After years of court proceedings – from the High Court to the Supreme Court – justice was finally served through a transparent legal process. Reversing that decision through a pardon not only disrespects the memory of the deceased but also undermines the integrity of our judicial system.
“No family deserves to relive the trauma of losing a loved one in such a cruel manner, only to later watch the person responsible walk free under the guise of “mercy.”
Continuing he emphasized that, “Mercy should never come at the expense of justice.”
“A society that excuses such a crime teaches others that there are no real consequences for violence and murder.”
The rights advocate argued further that, “The Bello family’s statement is not driven by vengeance, but by a desire for fairness – a principle that should guide any nation that values human life and moral order.
“Their pain is the nation’s pain, and their call for justice is a reminder that no one’s life should be considered expendable.
“As the family rightly said, ultimate justice belongs to God – but as a people, we must ensure that our earthly justice is not mocked by politics or emotion.”
He stated categorically that, “Standing with the Bello family today is standing with justice, truth, and the sanctity of human life, the activist explained. ”
Justice for All Network which operates under the hashtags #JusticeForBilyaminu, #SayNoToInjustice and #NigeriaDeservesBetter called on Nigerians of conscience and good will to speak out on the raging controversy sparked off by the recent presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda after being sentenced to death for killing her late husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
Our view:
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