During the trial, the prosecution alleged that the defendant poisoned her husband’s zobo drink before stabbing him with a knife at about 9 p.m. on the day of the incident.

A court gavel

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

Justice Maryam Sabo delivered the judgment on Thursday, finding Jibrin guilty of culpable homicide after a 14-month trial. The court held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Jibrin, a resident of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, was arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable homicide following her arrest in May 2025.

Delivering the verdict, Justice Sabo ruled that the gravity of the offence warranted the maximum punishment prescribed by law, noting that such penalties serve as a deterrent to others.

The judge, however, informed the convict of her right to appeal the judgment within the legally stipulated period.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba Sorondinki, told the court that the defendant allegedly poisoned her husband’s zobo drink before attacking him with a knife at about 9 p.m. on the day of the incident.

According to the prosecution, the actions resulted in the death of the victim, prompting an investigation that led to Jibrin’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.

The state called two witnesses during the trial to establish its case, maintaining 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, arguing that his client had shown signs of reformation while in custody.

He told the court that Jibrin had memorised the Holy Qur’an during her detention and appealed for compassion, noting that she is the first child of her family and plays a significant role in supporting her younger siblings.

Reacting to the judgment, the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), described the conviction as a significant milestone in the administration of criminal justice in the state.

In a statement posted on his verified social media account, Maude commended the prosecuting counsel, Lamido Abba Sorondinki, Deputy Director of Civil Litigation, for what he described as professionalism, diligence and dedication 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 attracted significant public attention due to the circumstances surrounding the death, which occurred less than two weeks after the couple’s marriage.