Popular Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has backed the decision to pardon Maryam Sanda, saying forgiveness is the right path in Islam. Sanda was convicted in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, and was originally sentenced to death. President Bola Tinubu granted her and 174 others a presidential pardon before reversing it due to public outrage. Despite the revocation, Sanda’s sentence was later reduced to 12 years in prison on compassionate grounds.

Gumi reacted on Facebook, arguing that the incident happened in a moment driven by Shaytan (Satan) and that Sanda showed remorse immediately after the act. He said her emotional breakdown after the incident reflected repentance, not wicked intention. He criticized those attacking the pardon, saying many people speak without understanding Islamic principles on forgiveness.

He reminded Nigerians that the victim’s family had already forgiven Sanda, which is considered a powerful act in Islam. According to Gumi, forgiveness from the victim’s family carries high spiritual value and peace-building benefits over revenge. He prayed for protection and guidance, urging people to value mercy.

The cleric stated that Islam prioritizes compassion over punishment when sincere repentance is shown. He emphasized that executing Sanda would not have been the ideal solution and that mercy aligns more with Islamic teachings. He stressed that true justice in Islam comes with balance, compassion, and wisdom, not anger or public pressure.

Gumi concluded that the presidential act of mercy was justified religiously and morally. He urged Nigerians to understand Islamic rulings regarding forgiveness and avoid rushing to judgment in emotional cases. He encouraged a society guided by fairness and spiritual maturity rather than vengeance.