Court Sentences Bride to Death for Killing Husband Nine Days After Wedding.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
July 31, 2026.
KANO – 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, holding that the prosecution had established the charge of culpable homicide beyond a reasonable doubt.
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“I hereby sentence Saudat Jibrin to death by hanging for culpable homicide. You have 90 days to appeal,” Justice Sabo ruled.
The verdict brings to a close a case that attracted widespread public attention because of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of the 30-year-old victim shortly after the couple’s marriage.
According to the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, the offence occurred on May 5, 2025, at Farawa Quarters in Kano Municipal. The court heard that at about 9:00 p.m., the defendant allegedly laced her husband’s “Zoho” drink before attacking him with a knife, slashing his throat.
The prosecution called two witnesses and tendered evidence which, according to the court, sufficiently established the defendant’s guilt. The court subsequently held that the evidence presented proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
Throughout the trial, Saudat Jibrin denied committing the offence and maintained her innocence.
The prosecution informed the court that the offence contravened Section 221(a) of the Penal Code, which prescribes the death penalty for culpable homicide punishable by death.
During the defence, counsel to the convict, Abdulfatah Muhammad, appealed for mercy, urging the court to temper justice with compassion. He submitted that his client had undergone significant personal transformation during her period in custody, stating that she had memorised the Holy Qur’an and exhibited good conduct while awaiting trial.
The defence further pleaded with the court to consider her family background, explaining that she is the first child of her parents and that her younger siblings depend heavily on her for support.
Despite the plea for leniency, the court held that the gravity of the offence and the evidence before it left no room for a lesser sentence under the law.
Justice Sabo, however, informed the convict of her constitutional right to challenge the judgment before the Court of Appeal within 90 days.
The judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to applying the law in cases involving violent crimes while reaffirming the legal principle that every accused person is entitled to a fair hearing before conviction.
The case has generated considerable public discussion in Kano State and beyond, highlighting concerns over domestic violence, the importance of peaceful conflict resolution within families, and the need for early intervention where marital disputes arise.
Legal experts note that regardless of the emotional circumstances surrounding domestic conflicts, the law provides lawful avenues for resolving disputes and seeking protection rather than resorting to violence.
With the judgment now delivered, attention is expected to shift to whether the convict will exercise her right of appeal. Under Nigerian law, a death sentence imposed by a High Court is subject to the appellate process before it can be carried out.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating human consequences of domestic violence and the enduring importance of justice, due process, and the rule of law.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 31ST JULY)
