A Kano State High Court has sentenced a 19-year-old bride, Saudat Jibrin, to death by hanging for killing her husband, Salisu Idris, just nine days after their wedding.
Justice Maryam Sabo delivered the judgment on Thursday, finding Jibrin guilty of culpable homicide 14 months after she was arraigned before the court.
The convict was arrested by the police in May 2025 following the death of her husband.
Delivering judgment, Justice Sabo held that the prosecution successfully proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
She said the offence attracted the maximum punishment under the law, adding that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others.
The judge, however, informed the convict of her right to appeal the judgment within 90 days.
Jibrin, a resident of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, was prosecuted on a one-count charge of culpable homicide.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba Sorondinki, told the court that at about 9:00 p.m. on the day of the incident, the defendant allegedly mixed a harmful substance into her husband’s zobo drink before slashing his throat with a knife.
The prosecution called two witnesses to establish its case, arguing that the offence contravened Section 221(a) of the Penal Code.
In his plea for leniency, defence counsel Abdulfatah Muhammad urged the court to temper justice with mercy.
He told the court that the defendant had undergone significant reformation while in custody, including memorising the Holy Qur’an.
He also appealed for compassion, noting that Jibrin is the first child of her family and that her younger siblings depend on her.
Reacting to the judgment, the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), described the conviction as a major milestone in the state’s criminal justice system.
He commended the prosecuting counsel, Lamido Abba Sorondinki, for his professionalism, diligence and dedication throughout the trial.
According to the Attorney General, the judgment demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that anyone who breaks the law is held accountable, regardless of status or circumstance.
He added that the state government remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting law-abiding citizens and strengthening the justice sector in line with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Kano First Agenda.
