The Court of Appeal affirms Farida Abubakar’s death sentence in Kebbi State, rejecting her appeal over the 2022 murder of her ex-husband.
The Court of Appeal has affirmed the death sentence handed down to Farida Abubakar for the murder of her former husband, Chief Magistrate Attahiru Muhammad-Ibrahim, bringing a critical chapter in the case to a close.
This ruling brings to an end a crucial stage in a case that has drawn significant public attention across Kebbi State and Nigeria at large.
Farida Abubakar stabbed her ex-husband multiple times on the abdomen, neck, and left arm on the night of August 25, 2022, ultimately leading to his death.
Following her arrest, a High Court in Birnin Kebbi tried her and, in 2024, sentenced her to death by hanging.
The severity of the punishment reflected the gravity of the crime and the evidence presented during the trial.
On Monday, January 5, 2025, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Tunde Awotoye, delivered a unanimous judgment in appeal number CA/S/75C/2025.
The appellate court dismissed Farida Abubakar’s appeal, affirming the High Court’s original decision.
In its ruling, the court noted, “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.”
During the trial, the prosecution, represented by Zainab Muhammad Jabbo of the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, presented 12 witnesses and submitted several exhibits.
These included Farida Abubakar’s extra-judicial statement and a range of circumstantial evidence linking her directly to the murder.
The defense, led by lawyer A. N. Salau, argued that the evidence did not conclusively prove her guilt, but the court was not persuaded.
The appellate court emphasized that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
A key element in the ruling was the court’s endorsement of the last seen doctrine, which was applied during the trial.
This doctrine is frequently used in criminal cases where a victim is last seen with the accused before a crime occurs.
In Farida Abubakar’s case, the evidence showed that she was the last person seen with her husband before his death, reinforcing the link between her and the murder.
Although her extra-judicial statements were not considered confessional in nature, the appellate court ruled that all the essential elements of the murder offence had been established.
This included proof of intent, causation, and the deliberate use of a deadly weapon.
Consequently, the court upheld the High Court’s decision to sentence Farida Abubakar to death under Section 191(b) of the Kebbi State Penal Code.
Additionally, she was sentenced to seven years in prison under Section 224(1) of the same law for causing grievous hurt.
Legal analysts note that the case has highlighted the importance of strong evidence and judicial diligence in capital cases.
The confirmation of Farida Abubakar’s death sentence reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that serious crimes are met with commensurate penalties.
Farida Abubakar has since filed a further appeal at the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
Legal experts believe that the Supreme Court will carefully examine the procedural and substantive issues raised in her appeal, particularly the use of circumstantial evidence and the application of the “last seen” doctrine.
The outcome of this appeal will be closely watched, as it may set important legal precedents for similar cases in Kebbi State and across Nigeria.
The case of Farida Abubakar has also sparked public debate on the effectiveness of the justice system in handling domestic violence and spousal-related crimes.
Advocates for victims’ rights argue that swift and decisive legal action is necessary to deter future crimes and protect vulnerable individuals.
Meanwhile, some legal commentators have stressed the need for fair trial guarantees, even in cases involving capital punishment, to ensure that justice is served without bias.
In conclusion, the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the death sentence of Farida Abubakar reaffirms the judicial system’s authority in Kebbi State.
With her appeal pending at the Supreme Court, the legal saga continues, drawing attention to the intricacies of criminal law, the standards of evidence, and the role of the judiciary in maintaining public confidence.
The outcome of this case will not only impact Farida Abubakar personally but will also resonate across the legal community, influencing how similar cases are prosecuted and adjudicated in the future.
Ireport247news
About The Author
