Maryam Sanda wept uncontrollably at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, after she was sentenced to death by hanging for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
Justice Yusuf Halilu gave the sentence on Monday in Abuja while delivering judgment on the protracted trial of Maryam Sanda.
He sentenced Sanda after she was convicted for stabbing late Bilyaminu to death, son of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Haliru Bello.
Her trial centred on a judicial drama that lasted almost three years due to delays, multiple adjournments, and failure of witnesses to appear in court among others.
Sanda, a mother of two, and her mother broke down in tears immediately the judge pronounced her guilt.
Her mother who was occupying a back seat sped out of the court as she wept.
The teary Sanda also rushed out of the courtroom but the judge ordered that she should be brought back to the courtroom.
The defence lawyer attempted to make a plea for allocutus (plea for mercy) which was rejected by the judge.
Justice Yusuf Halilu said the offence for which Maryam was convicted was based on Section 221 of the Penal Code.
“It has been said that thou shall not kill. Whoever kills in cold blood shall die in cold blood,” the judge said.
“Maryam Sanda should reap what she has sown,” he said, adding, “it is blood for blood”.