19-year-old woman sentenced to death for killing husband nine days after wedding

Court sentences woman to death for killing her husband NINE days after wedding

A Kano State High Court has sentenced 19-year-old Saudat Jibrin to death by hanging for the murder of her husband, Salisu Idris, in a case that began barely nine days after the couple’s wedding.

Justice Maryam Sabo handed down the sentence on Thursday after finding that the prosecution had proved the charge of culpable homicide against Jibrin beyond reasonable doubt.

The court also informed the convict that she has 90 days within which to appeal the judgment.

The case dates back to May 5, 2025, when the newly married couple were involved in a fatal incident at Farawa Quarters in Kano. Earlier reports at the time said Jibrin had been arrested after Idris, aged 30, was found critically injured and later died. The incident reportedly occurred only nine days after their marriage.

During the trial, prosecutor Lamido Abba-Sorondinki told the court that Jibrin gave her husband a bottle of “Zobo” drink allegedly containing a harmful substance before attacking him with a knife and cutting his throat.

Idris subsequently died from the injuries.

Two prosecution witnesses testified against Jibrin during the proceedings, while the defendant denied the allegation and gave evidence in her own defence.

Earlier accounts of the incident had also reported that a neighbour, Dini Mada, said Idris identified his wife as the person who attacked him before he was taken to hospital. According to the neighbour, the victim said his wife had asked him to close his eyes for a “surprise” before the attack.

Court sentences woman to death for killing her husband NINE days after wedding

Jibrin’s lawyer, Abdulfatah Muhammad, urged the court to temper justice with mercy, pointing to what he described as his client’s transformation while in custody.

He told the court that Jibrin had undergone rehabilitation in detention, including memorising the Holy Qur’an. Counsel also appealed for leniency on the grounds that she was the eldest child in her family and that her younger siblings depended on her.

The court, however, convicted her under Section 221(a) of the Penal Code and imposed the death sentence.

The case has drawn renewed attention to the tragedy that unfolded in Farawa shortly after the couple’s marriage. When news of Idris’s death first emerged in May 2025, residents were reportedly left shocked, while security operatives moved to prevent a mob attack on the accused woman.

With the death sentence now handed down, the case moves to the appellate stage unless Jibrin elects not to challenge the conviction. The court has given her 90 days to pursue an appeal.