Judge convicts 19-year-old Saudat Jibrin of culpable homicide after finding she poisoned and stabbed her husband shortly after their marriage.
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, just nine days after their wedding.
Justice Maryam Sabo delivered the judgment on Thursday, holding that the prosecution proved the charge of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt after a 14-month trial.
Jibrin, a resident of Kumbotso Local Government Area, was arraigned in May 2025 on a one-count charge of culpable homicide following her arrest over the death of her husband.
According to the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba Sorondinki, the defendant poisoned her husband’s zobo drink before attacking him with a knife at about 9 p.m. on the day of the incident, resulting in his death.
The prosecution called two witnesses to establish its case, maintaining that the offence contravened Section 221(a) of the Penal Code.
In her judgment, Justice Sabo ruled that the seriousness of the offence warranted the maximum punishment prescribed by law, adding that such penalties serve as a deterrent to violent crimes. She also informed the convict of her right to appeal the verdict within the time allowed by law.
During his plea for leniency, defence counsel Abdulfatah Muhammad urged the court to temper justice with mercy, arguing that Jibrin had shown signs of rehabilitation while in custody. He told the court that she had memorised the Holy Qur’an during her detention and appealed for compassion, noting that she is the first child of her family and supports her younger siblings.
Reacting to the judgment, Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), described the conviction as a milestone in the administration of criminal justice in the state.
He commended the prosecuting counsel for his professionalism and reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring that anyone found guilty of violating the law is held accountable, regardless of status or circumstance.
The case drew widespread public attention because the victim was killed less than two weeks after the couple’s marriage.