Appeal Court upholds death sentence for Kebbi woman convicted of murdering her ex-husband
The Court of Appeal has upheld the death sentence imposed on a Kebbi State woman convicted for the murder of her ex-husband, affirming the lower court’s judgment after hearing the appeal. The appellate court, sitting in Ilorin, reviewed the case following the woman’s challenge of the conviction and sentence, but ruled that there were no valid grounds to overturn the decision. The judges said the evidence presented at the trial proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused deliberately caused the death of her former spouse.
The original case began in Kebbi State when the woman was charged and found guilty of killing her ex-husband during a domestic dispute. At the trial, prosecution witnesses testified to circumstances that suggested intent and premeditation, leading the trial court to sentence her to death by hanging. The defence argued that the woman acted in self-defence and raised issues about the handling of evidence, but the appellate judges were not persuaded by these arguments. After reviewing the record, the panel ruled that the conviction and death sentence were in accordance with the law and should stand.
Reaction to the Appeal Court’s decision has been mixed. Some community members and legal analysts say the ruling reinforces the rule of law and accountability for serious crimes, while others have raised concerns about the use of capital punishment and urged for broader discussion on criminal justice reforms in Nigeria. Human rights advocates argue that the death penalty is a contentious issue and have called on authorities to consider alternative sentencing and review capital punishment laws.
The court’s affirmation means that the Kebbi woman will remain on death row at the state custodial facility while her legal team explores any further lawful opportunities for redress, including the possibility of seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court. Officials say that all legal processes must be respected, and that execution of the sentence will only proceed after all due process is exhausted.
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