Bauchi Hisbah Declares Secret Minor Marriage Illegal

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Commander of Hisbah in Bauchi State, Mohammed Mohammed Bununu, has described the secret marriage allegedly conducted by some teenagers in the state as an offence under Sharia law, stating that those involved must face the full wrath of the law.

The commander made this known on Thursday when the First Lady, Aisha Bala Mohammed, received the teenagers on behalf of the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence.

The teenagers were apprehended by the Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency, led by Umar Aliyu Shayi, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.

The Bauchi State police command spokesman, Superintendent of Police (SP) Nafiu Habib, disclosed that the suspect will be taken to court after the investigations are concluded on the case.

Bununu stated that all the teenagers involved in the marriage conducted without the knowledge or consent of their families should be treated as offenders under Sharia law.

“Regarding the girl involved, I asked the father whether she had been married before, and he said no. I also asked whether he gave out his daughter in marriage or authorised anybody to represent him in doing so, and he said no,” he stated.

“The position of Sharia law is that any marriage conducted or contracted without the knowledge of the girl’s father, or a person authorised by the father to represent him, is illegal.

“All the parties involved in the contracting of the marriage, including the bride, the groom, and the so-called wali, are offenders and should be treated as such.

“They should face the full wrath of the law. This matter will be treated seriously in order to serve as a deterrent to other youths and students who may attempt to commit similar acts in the future.

“I commend the role of the First Lady in addressing this menace in our society,” he added.

Meanwhile, a concerned resident, Umar Mustapha Chindo, in a letter addressed to the Commandant of the Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency, requested that the case be transferred to the Bauchi State Sharia Commission for proper adjudication.

In the letter, Chindo appreciated the efforts and concern shown by the agency regarding the matter.

“However, after due consideration, I humbly request that the case be transferred to the Sharia Commission or any competent Sharia authority for proper adjudication in accordance with Islamic principles and Sharia law.

“My reason for this request is that the matter is purely marital and Islamic in nature, involving issues best addressed under the provisions of Sharia, since marriage is governed by Islamic jurisprudence.

“I strongly believe that the Sharia Commission is the most appropriate body to handle the case fairly, properly, and in line with religious teachings and legal procedures.

“Therefore, I humbly appeal to your good office to facilitate the transfer of the case to the appropriate Sharia authority for further hearing and resolution. I remain grateful for your understanding,” the letter stated.