10 Arrested Over Secret Marriage In Bauchi

The Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (BSACGBV) led by the chairperson and first lady of the state, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, has handed over 10 arrested adolescents involved in an unauthorised marriage to the state police command for investigation.

The incident involved a teenage boy and a girl who allegedly conducted marriage rites without the consent or approval of their parents, while some of their friends assumed the roles of guardian (Al-Waliy) and Imam during the process.

The 10 adolescents were apprehended by operatives of the Bauchi State Agency for Vigilante and Youth Empowerment following reports about the unlawful marriage in Bauchi metropolis.

Kamila’s father, Shehu Umar, said he neither authorised nor appointed anyone to give out his daughter in marriage.

The state commissioner of police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, represented by the spokesman, SP Nafiu Habib, assured that the command would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

The commander-general and permanent secretary of the agency, Alhaji Umar Shayi, said the agency received information that a group of young boys had arranged and conducted a marriage between one Muhammad Mustapha and a young girl, Kamila Shehu Umar, for a bride price of N3,000.

According to him, the youths involved were from the Karofi, Kofar Dumi and unguwar Muhaukata areas of Bauchi metropolis.

He said one Mariya Muhammad allegedly acted as the illegal bride’s mother during the ceremony, while other youths served as witnesses and wedding attendants.

“We received information that some young men brought their friends together and secretly conducted a marriage for a young girl with a dowry of N3,000. They organised the ceremony among themselves, celebrated it, and afterwards the groom took the girl to a hidden location,” he said.

Alhaji Umar Shayi added that following the report, the agency launched an investigation which led to the arrest of the groom, the bride, the fake guardian and other individuals connected to the incident.

Following their arrest, the adolescents were handed over to the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence for evaluation and intervention in line with the committee’s mandate.

After deliberations at the office of the Bauchi State first lady yesterday involving committee members and relevant stakeholders, it was resolved that the matter be formally transferred to the police for proper investigation.

Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to protecting family values, promoting responsible social conduct among youths, and ensuring that due legal processes are followed in matters affecting adolescents.

She said the committee invited the parents of both teens alongside relevant stakeholders to deliberate on the matter and seek solutions that would protect the interests of the children while promoting proper moral orientation within society.

The Hisbah commander in the state, Malam Muhammad Muhammad Bununu, clarified the position of Shari’a Law, stressing that any marriage involving a young girl conducted without the consent of her father or lawful guardian is invalid.

Malam Bununu emphasised that the matter would be handled seriously to serve as a deterrent to others, while also commending the first lady for her efforts in addressing social issues affecting young people.