NBA Slams Kano Court Over TikTokers’ Forced Marriage Order
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned a reported Kano Magistrate’s Court order allegedly directing TikTok content creators Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda to marry within 60 days.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the order followed the duo’s appearance in viral videos deemed “indecent” by the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board.
The clips, which showed the pair in romantic gestures, were said to violate the state’s moral and religious standards.
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe described the ruling as a “grave misunderstanding of the limits of judicial authority under the Nigerian Constitution” and an infringement on the individuals’ fundamental rights.
“Marriage, by its very nature, is a voluntary union between consenting adults. It cannot be imposed as punishment, moral correction, or judicial remedy,” the NBA stated.
The association stressed that no Nigerian court has the power to compel marriage, calling the order unconstitutional and a violation of rights to personal liberty, dignity, and privacy guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The NBA called for an immediate review of the alleged order and urged judicial authorities to prevent similar incidents. Its Citizens’ Liberties Committee and Women’s Forum have been tasked with monitoring the case to safeguard constitutional rights.
“The courts must remain the bastion of justice and protectors of constitutional rights, not instruments for enforcing social conformity or moral compulsion,” the NBA added.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
