AISHA ABUBAKAR
An 18-year-old housewife, Saudat Jibril, has been sentenced to death by hanging by a Kano State High Court for killing her 30-year old husband just nine days after their wedding.
Justice Maryam Sabo delivered the judgment on Thursday at the Kano State High Court sitting in Kano. The court found Saudat guilty of culpable homicide after a trial that lasted several months.
The incident occurred in May 2025 in Farawa community, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State. Records before the court showed that Saudat and her husband, 30-year-old Salisu Idris, got married on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Barely nine days later, tragedy struck.
According to the prosecution led by Barrister Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, counsel to the Kano State Government, Saudat attacked her husband with a knife during an argument at their home in Farawa. The prosecution told the court that she slit Salisu’s throat and he bled to death before help could arrive.
The victim was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital by neighbours, but medical personnel confirmed him dead on arrival.
During the trial, the prosecution presented three witnesses to establish its case. The defence counsel, Barrister Abdulfatah Muhammad, called Saudat Jibril as the sole witness in her defence. She denied the allegations in court.
Delivering judgment, Justice Sabo said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. She held that the evidence presented by the state was consistent and credible, while rejecting the defendant’s testimony.
“The court hereby finds you guilty as charged and sentences you to death by hanging,” the judge ruled.
Following the judgment, correctional service officials escorted Saudat out of the courtroom to begin serving her sentence, pending any appeal.
Police sources told P.M.EXPRESS that the marriage was arranged by relatives of both families. They said the deceased had earlier expressed reservations about the union but was persuaded by family members to proceed with the wedding.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Kano Command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, confirmed the arrest and conviction. He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, deployed detectives to the scene immediately after the incident was reported.
Community members said youths in Farawa attempted to lynch Saudat after the incident, but security operatives intervened and took her into custody.