A Kano High Court has sentenced 19-year-old Saudat Jibrin to death by hanging after finding her guilty of killing her husband. The ruling was delivered on Thursday, July 30, 2026, by Justice Maryam Sabo.The court held that the prosecution proved its case of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt.
In her judgment, Justice Sabo said, “I hereby sentence Saudat Jibrin to death by hanging for culpable homicide. You have 90 days to appeal.”According to the prosecution, the incident happened on May 5, 2025, in Farawa Quarters, Kano. Prosecuting counsel, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, told the court that Jibrin, a resident of Kumbotso Local Government Area, allegedly laced her husband Salisu Idris’ “Zobo” drink and later cut his throat with a knife.
The couple had been married for just nine days. Two witnesses were presented to support the charge, which falls under Section 221(a) of the Penal Code. The defendant pleaded not guilty.The defense counsel, Abdulfatah Muhammad, asked the court for leniency. He told the court that Jibrin had testified in her own defense and had shown remorse while in custody.
He added that she had memorized the Holy Qur’an during detention, and that she is the eldest child in her family with siblings who depend on her.Jibrin maintained her innocence throughout the trial. With the sentencing, the case now enters a 90-day window within which an appeal can be filed.
