Bauchi GBV Committee Hands Over Adolescents Involved in Unauthorized Marriage to Police

From  Paul Orude Bauchi 

The Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence, chaired by the First Lady of Bauchi State, Aisha Bala Mohammed, has handed over a group of adolescents involved in an alleged unauthorized marriage arrangement to the Bauchi State Police Command for further investigation.

This was contained in a press release signed by Zainab Musa Garba, Press Secretary to the First Lady, and made available to journalists in Bauchi on Friday.

According to the statement, the incident involved a young girl and boy who allegedly conducted marriage rites without the consent or approval of their parents, while some of their friends reportedly acted as guardians (Al-Wali) and Imam during the process.

The statement explained that the adolescents were apprehended by the Commander General of the Bauchi State Agency for Vigilante and Youth Empowerment, Alhaji Umar Shayi, following intelligence reports regarding the unlawful marriage arrangement within Bauchi metropolis.

Following their arrest, the youths were handed over to the GBV committee for evaluation and intervention in line with its mandate of protecting adolescents and promoting responsible social conduct among young people.

After deliberations by committee members at the Office of the First Lady, it was resolved that the matter be formally transferred to the police for proper investigation.

The committee reiterated its commitment to protecting family values, promoting responsible social conduct among youths, and ensuring that legal processes are followed in matters affecting adolescent welfare.

It also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor and guide their children to prevent actions contrary to societal and legal standards while reinforcing family responsibility and moral values.