A Kano State High Court has sentenced 19-year-old Saudat Jibrin Farawa to death by hanging after finding her guilty of killing her husband, Salisu Idris, just nine days after they got married.
Justice Maryam Ahmed Sabo ruled that the prosecution proved the charge of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt.
The court heard that the incident happened around 9:00 p.m. on April 9, 2025, in Farawa Quarters, Kano. Prosecutors said Saudat served her husband sobo before cutting his throat with a kitchen knife, an offence under Section 221(A) of the Penal Code Law.
She was arraigned on June 20, 2025, and pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution, led by Barrister Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, called two witnesses, ASP Ezekiel and the victim’s father, Alhaji Idris Danlarai. It also presented the defendant’s confessional statement and the knife as exhibits.
ASP Ezekiel said he recorded the statement after the case was moved to the Criminal Investigation Department. Danlarai told the court he found his son in a pool of blood after entering the locked house through the backyard. He said the victim identified his wife as his attacker before dying at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Saudat denied the charge, rejected the statement as not bearing her signature, and claimed unknown people entered the house while she was in the bathroom.
Justice Sabo ruled medical evidence was unnecessary because the cause of death was clear. She said the evidence firmly linked the defendant to the crime.
“The court finds you guilty of killing your husband just nine days after your wedding. You are hereby sentenced to death by hanging, or by any other means prescribed by law. The sentence may be subject to the pleasure of the Governor,” she said.
The judge urged security agencies to improve homicide investigations with scientific methods.
As she left the courtroom, Saudat reportedly said, “Court judgement is not God’s judgment.”
The prosecution praised the ruling, saying the convict showed no remorse, while the defence said it would review the judgment and consider an appeal.
