Maryam Sanda is a well-known Nigerian woman whose name became famous after a tragic family event and a high-profile legal case. Her story involves family background, marriage, a shocking crime, and eventual presidential pardon. This biography explores her age, family, husband, and current status.
Early Life and Family Background
Maryam Sanda was born into a respected and influential Nigerian family. Her mother, Maimuna Aliyu, once served as an executive director at Aso Savings and Loans. Maimuna was also involved in a few controversies related to financial matters, which drew public attention.
Maryam’s father is not well known in public records, but her family is generally regarded as wealthy and well-connected. She has a brother named Aliyu Sanda, who was mentioned during investigations related to her case.
Growing up in privilege, Maryam was known as a beautiful, educated woman with a comfortable lifestyle. She lived in Abuja and was active in social circles before the tragedy that changed her life forever.
Age and Date of Birth
Maryam Sanda’s exact date of birth is not officially documented. However, several reports suggest she is around 37 years old as of recent years. This means she was likely born around 1988. Despite the uncertainty, this estimate is the most widely accepted.
Marriage and Husband
Maryam Sanda married Bilyaminu Muhammed Bello around 2015. Their wedding brought together two well-known families in northern Nigeria.
Her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, was the son of a former minister and the nephew of Haliru Bello, who once served as the national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The marriage was initially seen as a union of love and prestige. The couple was blessed with a daughter, and later, Maryam gave birth to a son while she was in custody in 2018.
Unfortunately, the relationship soon turned sour, leading to constant disputes and emotional tension between the couple.
The Tragic Incident
On November 18, 2017, Maryam Sanda and her husband had a heated argument at their home in Abuja. The dispute reportedly started when Maryam saw a photo of another woman on her husband’s phone. This discovery led to a violent quarrel that ended in tragedy.
During the fight, Maryam attacked her husband with a knife, inflicting deep wounds on his chest and neck. Despite efforts to save him, Bilyaminu Bello was declared dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
Maryam claimed the death was accidental, saying her husband fell on a broken shisha glass during their struggle. However, forensic reports and witness statements contradicted her version of events.
The case quickly became one of the most talked-about murder trials in Nigeria, with public opinion deeply divided over whether Maryam acted in self-defense or out of rage.
Arrest and Trial
Maryam was arrested soon after the incident and charged with culpable homicide, which under Nigerian law is equivalent to murder. Her mother, Maimuna Aliyu, and brother, Aliyu Sanda, were also questioned by the police on suspicion of tampering with evidence at the crime scene.
Maryam was initially denied bail. However, she was later granted temporary bail in March 2018 due to illness and pregnancy. During this time, she gave birth to her second child, a baby boy, before returning to custody.
Conviction and Sentence
After a lengthy legal battle, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja found Maryam Sanda guilty of killing her husband. On January 27, 2020, she was sentenced to death by hanging.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Yusuf Halimah, who stated that the evidence presented by prosecutors proved beyond reasonable doubt that Maryam intentionally caused her husband’s death.
The conviction sparked nationwide debate. Many Nigerians expressed sympathy for her children, while others saw the judgment as justice for the late Bilyaminu Bello.
Appeals and Final Verdict
Maryam Sanda’s legal team appealed the death sentence, arguing that the court ignored key evidence that could have supported her claim of accidental death. However, in December 2020, the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction.
Her final appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria was dismissed in 2023, confirming the death sentence. At that point, she remained on death row while her legal team sought clemency.
Presidential Pardon and Current Status
In October 2025, Maryam Sanda received a presidential pardon from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The pardon was part of a nationwide clemency list aimed at decongesting prisons and granting mercy to certain convicts.
This decision effectively ended Maryam’s death sentence and set her free after nearly eight years of imprisonment.
The pardon generated mixed reactions. Some Nigerians supported it, saying it showed compassion and forgiveness. Others criticized it, claiming it reflected political favoritism due to her family’s social standing.
Since her release, Maryam has kept a very low profile. She has avoided public appearances and interviews, focusing instead on rebuilding her life privately with her children.
As of 2025, Maryam Sanda is alive and living quietly out of the public eye.
Summary Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maryam Sanda |
| Date of Birth | Around 1988 (estimated) |
| Age | About 37 years old |
| Mother | Maimuna Aliyu |
| Father | Not publicly known |
| Brother | Aliyu Sanda |
| Husband | Bilyaminu Muhammed Bello (deceased) |
| Children | Two (a daughter and a son) |
| Incident Date | November 18, 2017 |
| Conviction Date | January 27, 2020 |
| Sentence | Death by hanging |
| Appeal Verdict | Sentence upheld (2020 & 2023) |
| Pardon | Granted by President Tinubu in October 2025 |
| Alive or Dead | Alive (as of 2025) |
Top 4 FAQs about Maryam Sanda
1. Who is Maryam Sanda?
Maryam Sanda is a Nigerian woman convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2017. She was sentenced to death in 2020 but later pardoned by President Tinubu in 2025.
2. How old is Maryam Sanda?
Maryam Sanda is believed to be around 37 years old. Her exact date of birth has not been publicly confirmed.
3. What happened to her husband?
Her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, died after being stabbed during a domestic dispute at their home in Abuja on November 18, 2017. The court found Maryam responsible for his death.
4. Is Maryam Sanda alive or dead?
Maryam Sanda is alive. She was released from prison in October 2025 after receiving a presidential pardon.
Conclusion
Maryam Sanda’s life story is one of tragedy, loss, and controversy. Her case remains one of Nigeria’s most memorable criminal trials, sparking conversations about justice, gender, and forgiveness. After years in prison, she now lives quietly, away from the public spotlight.
