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Appeal Court Confirms Death Penalty for Farida Abubakar in Ex-Husband’s Murder Case
The Court of Appeal has upheld the death sentence handed down to Farida Abubakar for the killing of her former spouse, Chief Magistrate Attahiru Muhammad-Ibrahim. This decision reinforces the ruling initially delivered by the Kebbi State High Court.
Details of the Crime and Initial Conviction
According to reports from LIB, the incident occurred on the night of August 25, 2022, when Abubakar allegedly stabbed her ex-husband multiple times, targeting his abdomen, neck, and left arm. These injuries resulted in his immediate death. Following a thorough trial, the High Court in Birnin Kebbi sentenced her to death by hanging in 2024.
Appellate Court’s Unanimous Decision
On January 5, 2025, a three-judge panel led by Justice Tunde Awotoye delivered a unanimous verdict in appeal case No. CA/S/75C/2025, dismissing Abubakar’s appeal. The appellate court affirmed the Kebbi State High Court’s judgment dated June 3, 2024, stating, “The appeal lacks merit. The conviction and sentence of the appellant as delivered by the High Court of Kebbi State on 03/06/2024 are hereby affirmed.”
Legal Representation and Evidence Presented
Farida Abubakar was prosecuted by the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, with Zainab Muhammad Jabbo leading the prosecution team. Her defense was managed by lawyer A. N. Salau. During the trial, the prosecution presented 12 witnesses and submitted various pieces of evidence, including Abubakar’s extra-judicial statements and circumstantial proof linking her to the murder.
Key Legal Findings and Sentencing
The appellate court upheld the trial court’s application of the “last seen” doctrine, which was deemed sufficiently supported by the evidence. Although Abubakar’s extra-judicial statements were not treated as confessions, the court found that all critical elements of the crime were proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Consequently, the court confirmed her death sentence by hanging under Section 191(b) of the Kebbi State Penal Code. Additionally, she was sentenced to seven years imprisonment under Section 224(1) for inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Next Steps: Supreme Court Appeal
Following the appellate court’s ruling, Abubakar has lodged a further appeal with the Supreme Court, aiming to overturn the affirmed judgment. The outcome of this appeal will be closely watched, as it will determine the final resolution of this high-profile case.
Contextual Note
Cases involving spousal violence and murder continue to draw significant public attention in Nigeria. According to recent statistics from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, domestic violence-related homicides have seen a slight increase over the past two years, underscoring the importance of judicial clarity and enforcement in such matters.
