Kano Court Sentences 19-Year-Old Woman to Death for Murdering Husband Nine Days After Wedding

A Kano State High Court has sentenced a 19-year-old housewife, Saudat Jibrin, to death by hanging for the murder of her husband, Salisu Idris, just nine days after their wedding.

Jibrin, a resident of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, was convicted of culpable homicide following the death of her 30-year-old husband.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Maryam Sabo held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced the defendant to death by hanging.

“I hereby sentence Saudat Jibrin to death by hanging for culpable homicide. You have 90 days to appeal,” the judge ruled.

According to the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, the incident occurred on May 5, 2025, at Farawa Quarters in Kano. The court heard that at about 9 p.m., Jibrin allegedly laced her husband’s “Zoho” drink before slashing his throat with a knife.

The prosecution called two witnesses in support of its case and argued that the offence contravened Section 221(a) of the Penal Code.

Jibrin denied the allegation during the trial.

In his plea for leniency, defence counsel Abdulfatah Muhammad told the court that his client had become a changed person while in custody, noting that she had memorised the Holy Qur’an. He also urged the court to consider her family circumstances, stating that she is the eldest child of her parents and that her younger siblings depend on her for support.

Despite the plea, the court found her guilty and imposed the death sentence, while informing her of her right to appeal the judgment within 90 days.