Upon listening to this trial and the court's decision, and being satisfied with the evidence presented before this honorable court, along with the hospital document confirming that Hauwa Sada is in her right mind, meaning she does not have any mental issues. The court has shown leniency towards Hauwa because she did not complicate the trial by accepting the crime she committed. The court sentenced Hauwa to life imprisonment. The judge struck the gavel, signaling the end of this case.
I was shedding tears profusely, the distress I was in at that moment is indescribable. Aminu, who had red eyes full of worry, was clearly more troubled than I was. I looked at my daughters, who I have doomed to a stigma they will forever carry. Then there were my younger siblings, for whom I had been both mother and father, since we were orphans, even though each of them is now married. I also saw my neighbors with whom I had lived harmoniously.
Such is life, my existence will now be confined to one place without any movement. A stern-faced woman approached where I was standing, hands cuffed, and pushed me roughly.
With my head bowed, we descended, flanked by police officers for security. I could hear the sobbing of my family and loved ones in my ears, but I couldn't bring myself to look at them. My stomach churned with fear, causing me to develop a severe fever and dizziness. My chest felt unbearably heavy, ever since this misfortune befell me, I had been suffering from this chest pain without relief.
As we reached the court's exit, journalists emerged to do their job. The stern woman holding me stopped. They began asking me questions I didn't even know where to start answering.
"Please, there's nothing she can say right now, kindly leave us to deal with our situation," said Aminu, Mardiyya's father.
The stern woman dragged me to the vehicle that would take me to prison. Despite having spent five days in jail, awaiting trial, I was kept in the waiting room, not the actual prison. The waiting room is a long hall where those awaiting trial are kept.
Shaking with fear and trepidation, I lifted my trembling legs and got into the vehicle and sat down.