KANO COURT SENTENCES BRIDE TO DEATH FOR KILLING HUSBAND NINE DAYS AFTER WEDDING

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

A Kano State High Court has sentenced a 19-year-old woman, Saudat Jibrin, to death by hanging for the murder of her husband, Salisu Idris, nine days after their wedding.

Justice Maryam Sabo delivered the judgment on Thursday after finding Jibrin guilty of culpable homicide at the end of a 14-month trial. The court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Jibrin, a resident of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, was arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable homicide following her arrest in May 2025.

In her judgment, Justice Sabo ruled that the severity of the offence warranted the maximum punishment prescribed by law, adding that such penalties serve as a deterrent to others. She also informed the convict of her right to appeal within the period provided by law.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba Sorondinki, told the court that Jibrin allegedly poisoned her husband’s zobo drink before attacking him with a knife at about 9 p.m. on the day of the incident.

According to the prosecution, the attack led to the victim’s death, prompting an investigation that resulted in Jibrin’s arrest and prosecution.

The state called two witnesses in support of its case, maintaining that the offence contravened Section 221(a) of the Penal Code.

In his plea for leniency, defence counsel Abdulfatah Muhammad urged the court to temper justice with mercy, arguing that his client had shown signs of reformation while in custody.

He told the court that Jibrin had memorised the Holy Qur’an during her detention and appealed for compassion, noting that she is the first child of her family and plays a significant role in supporting her younger siblings.

Reacting to the judgment, the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), described the conviction as a significant milestone in the administration of criminal justice in the state.

In a statement posted on his verified social media account, Maude commended the prosecuting counsel, Lamido Abba Sorondinki, Deputy Director of Civil Litigation, for what he described as professionalism, diligence, and dedication throughout the trial.

“This conviction is another clear demonstration of our resolve to ensure that anyone who violates the law is held accountable, irrespective of status or circumstance,” he said.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens and ensuring that justice is served in every deserving case. Under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, we will continue to strengthen the justice sector in line with the Kano First Agenda.”

The case drew widespread public attention because the victim was killed less than two weeks after the couple got married.