Kano Hisbah arrests man over unauthorised marriage

The Kano State Hisbah Board has apprehended a man, Sunusi Sabi’u Zakariyya, accused of orchestrating an unauthorized marriage for a young woman named Zainab. Zainab had reportedly fled Kebbi State to evade an arranged marriage proposed by her father. Zakariyya runs an Islamic medicine shop in Kano. Zainab allegedly left Birnin Kebbi after learning of her father's intentions to compel her into marriage.

Upon questioning, Zainab revealed that she first encountered Zakariyya via a telephone conversation following her departure from Kebbi State. Zakariyya, however, maintained that she had been residing at his elder sister's residence for approximately two months, and her parents had made no attempts to locate her. Zakariyya, who is already wed, reportedly orchestrated a meeting of individuals who would serve as guardians during the marriage ceremony.

The act of marriage was conducted with a dowry amounting to N70,000. Local residents alerted the Hisbah Board after the marriage was purportedly performed within a shop. Commanding Officer Malam Hamidan Tanko Alasaka stated that the board had apprehended the individuals involved and is currently investigating the matter. The suspects will be transferred to the board's headquarters for subsequent proceedings.