Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has publicly defended the presidential pardon initially granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, stating that the act of forgiveness is a superior mercy in Islam.

Sheikh Gumi’s comments come amidst public controversy after President Bola Tinubu granted and then partially revoked a pardon for Sanda and 174 other convicts. Following public outcry, the presidential pardon was withdrawn, but her death sentence was commuted to 12 years in prison on “compassionate grounds.”

In a detailed post on Facebook, Gumi argued that the original pardon was the correct and Islamic course of action. He characterized Sanda’s crime as the “work of Shaytan” (Satan), pointing to her reported remorse immediately after the act as evidence.

“They said she stabbed him, then broke down crying over his body. Do you understand? That is the work of Shaytan,” Gumi stated.

The cleric criticized those who spoke against the pardon without understanding Islamic jurisprudence on forgiveness. He emphasized that the decision by the victim’s family to forgive her was not a sign of weakness but a spiritually commendable act.

“In Islam, when the family of the victim forgives, it is not a weakness, it is mercy, and mercy is more beloved to Allah than vengeance,” Gumi explained.

He further elaborated that the principles of Islamic justice are rooted in balance and compassion rather than sheer retribution. “Maryam Sanda’s execution would not have been the right solution. The presidential pardon she received was the correct one. In Islam, justice is not driven by anger, but by balance and compassion,” he added.

Gumi concluded his post by affirming the family’s stance, noting, “The family of the deceased said, ‘We have forgiven her.’ May Allah protect us all. Ameen.”