Court sentences 19-year-old woman to d£ath by hanging for killing 30-year-old husband nine days after wedding

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

Justice Maryam Sabo delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the prosecution successfully proved the charge of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt. The court also informed the convict that she has 90 days to challenge the verdict through an appeal.

According to the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, the tragic incident occurred on May 5, 2025, at Farawa Quarters in Kano.

The prosecution alleged that Jibrin served her 30-year-old husband a bottle of Zobo drink that had been laced with a harmful substance before attacking him with a knife and slitting his throat. Idris later died from the injuries he sustained.

During the trial, two prosecution witnesses testified in support of the case against the defendant.

In her defence, counsel to the convict, Abdulfatah Muhammad, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy. He argued that Jibrin had shown signs of rehabilitation while in custody, including memorising the Holy Qur'an. He also urged the court to consider her family circumstances, noting that she is the first child and plays an important role in supporting her younger siblings.

Despite the plea for leniency, Justice Sabo held that the evidence presented was sufficient to secure a conviction under Section 221(a) of the Penal Code and sentenced Jibrin to death by hanging.

The case generated significant public attention in Kano after Salisu Idris was killed less than two weeks after marrying Saudat Jibrin in April 2025.

Investigators alleged that the newlywed poisoned her husband's drink before fatally attacking him with a knife inside their residence in Farawa Quarters. Following her arrest, she was charged with culpable homicide and remained in custody throughout the trial.

After months of legal proceedings, during which both the prosecution and the defence presented their arguments and evidence, the High Court concluded that the prosecution had established the case beyond reasonable doubt, resulting in Thursday's conviction and death sentence.

The conviction remains subject to the defendant's right of appeal within the period stipulated by law.