The news broke out on the social media in 2017 that Maryam Sanda killed her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, and she was prosecuted and convicted by the Maitama High Court. Already, the social media is awash with videos of how she broke into tears with a loud prayer that “may Allah take her soul now”. So pitiful and regrettable! We all know that when a case of culpable homicide (murder) is proven against an accused person, the judgement will be death by hanging. To the best of my knowledge, however, no other state governor aside Gov Adams Oshiomhole, has signed any death warrant since 1999. Love is indeed the foundation of their union but, unfortunately, something happened and Maryam stabbed Bello, the father of their two kids, to death. What a pity!
More to this pitiful situation is that these kids will grow to know either that they lost their parents to death by knife and rope based on the judgement of the court, or live while their mother languishes in prison. Another point is that though judgement is served, both grand parents to these kids will remember this ugly incident when these kids are around them. The regret is seen in the way and manner Maryam and her siblings wept and wished the day never comes. The most painful regret is with Maryam, because whenever she cast her mind back on how Bilyaminu bled to death, she will definitely regret her act, and imagine how she will meet Bilyaminu on the day of resurrection.
The lesson here is that we must not allow emotions becloud our sense of reasoning. We must pray that no matter our anger, we should be able to subdue it with prayers. There’s always a Judgement Day. What we saw today in court is just a pronouncement by a human being like us. The greatest judgement is what to meet on the day of Judgement. Let this serve as a great lesson because even after Maryam Sanda’s unfortunate episode, we had many more similar incidences where wives killed their husbands, or husbands killed their wives. Love should remain a genuine affection. If you no longer have the desired affection, marriage is not a ‘no-exit’ bond. To take a bow and leave honourably is more humane and dignifying than spilling the blood of your heartthrob. Moreover, no blood should be spilled for worldly things. While I pray for the repose of the soul of Bilyaminu, may this serve as lesson to all, amin. As for Maryam, her concern should be on what to meet in the hereafter. As for the kids, may you grow as pious Muslims. Amin.
Danlami Alhaji Wushishi, a Minna based legal practitioner [email protected]
