Crime

COURT: See What Happens To A Woman Who killed Her Ex-husband For Preparing To Remarry

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 4th, 2024.

COURT: See What Happens To A Woman Who killed Her Ex-husband For Preparing To Remarry

A woman has been sentenced to death for the murder of her ex-husband, who was preparing to remarry. Farida Abubakar was found guilty by a High Court in Birnin Kebbi of killing Chief Magistrate Attahiru Muhammad-Ibrahim. She was accused of stabbing him in the abdomen, neck, and left arm, leading to his death.

The case, which began with her arraignment on August 25, 2022, and the main charge filed on July 26, 2023, concluded with Justice Umar Abubakar delivering the verdict. The court was convinced of Abubakar’s guilt based on substantial evidence provided by the prosecution.

Justice Abubakar noted that the defendant was the last person seen with the deceased at his home in Birnin Kebbi, shortly before his death. The court relied on circumstantial evidence, including the blood-stained hijab of the defendant, and the testimonies of 12 witnesses, to establish her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge stated, “The evidence presented was compelling and unchallenged, proving that she intended to kill him, aware that her actions would lead to his death, especially as the crime occurred when the deceased was about to marry another woman.”

In addition to the death sentence for culpable homicide under section 191(b) of the Kebbi State penal code, Abubakar received a seven-year prison term for causing bodily harm, in line with section 224(1) of the same code.

Defense counsel Mudashiru Sani, representing Abdulnasir Sallau, described Abubakar as a first-time offender and caregiver to her elderly parents and young daughter. He urged the court to consider a lighter sentence to allow her eventual return to society.

In contrast, Prosecuting Counsel Lawal Hudu-Garba, Director of Public Prosecution in the state Ministry of Justice, advocated for the full enforcement of the law to deter similar crimes.

Following the verdict, Sani announced plans to appeal the decision.