A Kano State High Court has sentenced 19-year-old 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 at the State High Court on Miller Road, ruling that the prosecution had proved the charge of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt.
Jibrin was arrested in May 2025 and arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable homicide. Following a 14-month trial, the court convicted her under Section 221(a) of the Penal Code.
According to the prosecution, led by Barrister Lamido Abba Sorondinki, the incident occurred at about 9 p.m. when Jibrin allegedly laced her husband’s zobo drink with a harmful substance before slashing his throat with a knife.
In her judgment, Justice Sabo held that the death penalty was the appropriate punishment under the law, adding that it would serve as a deterrent to others. She also informed the convict of her right to appeal the judgment within 90 days.
The prosecution presented two witnesses during the trial to support its case.
In a plea for leniency, defence counsel Abdulfatah Muhammad urged the court to temper justice with mercy. He argued that Jibrin had undergone significant reformation while in custody, telling the court that she had memorised the Holy Qur’an during her detention. He also appealed for compassion, noting that she is her parents’ first child and that her younger siblings depend on her.
