Kano Court Sentences Young Woman to Death for Husband's Murder

A Kano High Court has sentenced a 19-year-old woman, Saudat Jibrin, to death by hanging. She was found guilty of killing her 30-year-old husband, Salisu Idris, just nine days after their wedding.

Mr Idris lived in Kumbosto Local Government Area of Kano. Saudat was charged with culpable homicide.

Justice Maryam Sabo delivered the judgment, stating that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

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

The Prosecution Counsel, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, explained that Saudat committed the crime on 5 May 2025 at Farawa Quarters in Kano. He said that around 9 p.m., she poisoned her husband's “Zoho” drink and then cut his throat with a knife.

Mr Abba-Sorondinki called two witnesses to support his case against Saudat. The young woman denied killing her husband.

The prosecutor noted that her actions violated Section 221(a) of the Penal Code. The Defence Counsel, Abdulfatah Muhammad, had Saudat testify in her own defense. He asked the court to show mercy, saying she had changed while in custody and memorized the Holy Qur’an.

Mr Muhammad also pointed out that Saudat is the oldest child in her family and that her siblings rely on her. He urged the court to consider this in their decision.