Kenneth Okonkwo Condemns Pardon of Bilyaminu Bello’s Killer: “A Woman Who Graduated from Mother to Murderer Can’t Be Trusted to Raise His Kids”

Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has strongly criticized the recent pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, the woman convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of former PDP chairman Haliru Bello.

In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Okonkwo described the pardon as both “unjust” and “politically motivated,” saying it undermines justice and sends a dangerous message about accountability in Nigeria’s legal system.

“The pardon of the murderer of Bilyaminu Bello is an act of murdering him afresh,” he wrote.
“A woman who graduated from being a mother of her children to being a murderer of their father can hardly be trusted to raise the children of the same man she murdered.
Whoever pardoned such a person has blood in his own hands because he has become an accomplice to the murder. This smells more of a political decision than a merciful act.”

Maryam Sanda was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute in their Abuja residence in 2017.

According to court reports, the tragic incident began with an argument allegedly sparked by jealousy and infidelity accusations. Prosecutors claimed that Sanda fatally stabbed her husband, while her defense insisted it was an accident.

The case gripped the nation, sparking debates about domestic violence, gender dynamics, and justice in high-profile crimes involving influential families.

In October 2024, reports surfaced that Maryam Sanda had been granted a presidential pardon after spending over six years behind bars. The decision reportedly came as part of a broader amnesty initiative meant to decongest prisons and offer clemency to select inmates.

However, many Nigerians including public figures like Kenneth Okonkwo have condemned the move, calling it a “betrayal of justice” and an insult to the memory of Bilyaminu Bello.

Critics argue that pardoning a convicted murderer in such a high-profile case raises questions about favoritism, political influence, and the fairness of Nigeria’s justice system.

Kenneth Okonkwo’s statement quickly went viral, drawing widespread reactions online. Supporters praised him for speaking out boldly against what they called a “mockery of justice,” while others cautioned that clemency decisions are complex and may involve humanitarian considerations.

Okonkwo, known for his roles in Living in Bondage and King of Boys: The Return of the King, has become increasingly vocal on political and social issues in recent years. His latest statement reflects his growing stance as both an entertainer and an advocate for justice and governance reform.

“Granting such a pardon is not mercy it’s complicity,” he added. “If I were one of the victim’s children, I would never have anything to do with the person who murdered my father. Whoever pardoned her shares in that guilt.”

The case has reignited national discussions about how presidential pardons are granted, especially in a country where ordinary citizens often face long prison sentences for minor offenses.

Legal experts have called for greater transparency and public accountability in the pardon process, noting that decisions of this nature should be based on justice, rehabilitation, and due process  not political considerations.