In what is considered to be a high-profile case, the Kebbi State High Court has sentenced Farida Abubakar, an ex-wife of a Chief Magistrate, to death by hanging for the murder of her former husband, Chief Magistrate Attahiru Muhammad Ibrahim.

The tragic incident occurred when the convict stabbed the deceased with a sharp object, inflicting fatal wounds on his abdomen, neck, and left arm.

The court based its decision on compelling circumstantial evidence as Farida Abubakar was last seen with the deceased shortly before he was found dead in his house in Birnin Kebbi.

Her hijab was discovered smeared with blood, further linking her to the crime.

The prosecution presented the extrajudicial statement of the accused and testimony from 12 witnesses, leaving the court no doubt that she was responsible for the murder.

Justice Umar Abubakar, the Chief Judge of Kebbi State, emphasized that the burden of proof rested on the prosecution to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The court concluded that Farida Abubakar had meticulously planned and executed the attack, intending to cause death. Her actions occurred at a critical time when the deceased was about to marry a new wife.

In a stern judgment, Justice Abubakar declared, “The court has found you guilty of culpable homicide and bodily harm.” Farida Abubakar received the following sentences:

In accordance with section 191 (b) of the penal code law of Kebbi State, she will be hanged by the neck until she is dead.

For causing bodily harm on her late ex-husband, as stipulated in section 224 (1) of the same penal code law, she was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

During the trial, Farida Abubakar’s defense counsel highlighted her status as a first-time offender with aged parents who relied on her support.

Additionally, she has a young daughter in need of motherly care. The defense pleaded for a lighter sentence, hoping that she could reform and reintegrate into society after serving her time.

However, the Prosecuting Counsel, Lawal Hudu Garba, urged the court to uphold the letter of the law, emphasizing the need for deterrence against such heinous offenses.

This case has drawn attention to the justice system’s handling of domestic violence and the consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands. It serves as a reminder that violence is never a solution and that legal processes must prevail.

As the Kebbi State community grapples with this tragic event, questions arise about the underlying factors that led to such a violent act. Advocacy for better conflict resolution mechanisms, mental health awareness, and support for victims of abuse remains crucial.

The court’s decision sends a strong message about accountability and the sanctity of human life. It also underscores the importance of addressing societal issues that contribute to violence within families.

Farida Abubakar’s fate is sealed, and the echoes of this courtroom drama will reverberate through Kebbi State. As the legal process concludes, the community reflects on the tragedy and seeks ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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