Court gavel
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, only nine days after they got married.
Justice Maryam Sabo delivered the judgment on Thursday, concluding a 14-month trial in which the court ruled that the prosecution had established the charge of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt.
Jibrin, who hails from Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, had been standing trial since her arraignment in May 2025 on a single count of culpable homicide following her arrest over the incident.
In her judgment, Justice Sabo held that the nature of the crime justified the maximum punishment provided under the law. She noted that imposing the prescribed sentence would also serve as a deterrent to others who might contemplate similar offences.
The court also informed the convicted woman that she has the legal right to challenge the judgment by filing an appeal within the stipulated period.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba Sorondinki, told the court that Jibrin allegedly laced her husband’s zobo drink with poison before stabbing him with a knife at about 9 p.m. on the day of the incident.
The prosecution maintained that the attack resulted in Idris’ death, prompting a police investigation that eventually led to Jibrin’s arrest and prosecution.
To support its case, the state presented two witnesses and argued that the offence contravened Section 221(a) of the Penal Code.
In his plea for mercy, defence counsel Abdulfatah Muhammad urged the court to consider mitigating factors before passing sentence. He argued that his client had undergone significant personal reform while in custody.
According to the defence lawyer, Jibrin memorised the Holy Qur’an during her detention. He also appealed to the court to show compassion, stressing that she is the first child in her family and plays an important role in caring for her younger siblings.
Reacting to the verdict, Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), described the conviction as a major achievement in the state’s criminal justice system.
In a statement shared on his verified social media account, Maude praised the prosecuting counsel, Lamido Abba Sorondinki, Deputy Director of Civil Litigation, for his professionalism, diligence and commitment 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 interest because the victim was killed less than two weeks after the couple’s wedding, making it one of the most closely followed criminal trials in the state.
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