From Muazu Hardawa Bauchi
The Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence, led by the Chairperson and First Lady of Bauchi State, Aisha Bala Mohammed, has handed over adolescents involved in an unauthorized marriage of three thousand naira dowry in Bauchi metropolitan.
In a press release signed by the chief press Secretary to the Bauchi State First Lady Hajiya Zainab Garba Musa, limented the incident involved a young girl and boy who allegedly conducted marriage rites without parental consent or approval.
Friends of the youths reportedly assumed the roles of guardians (Al-Wali) and Imam during the process which is illegal according to the Islamic teaching.
The youths were apprehended by the Commander General of the Bauchi State Agency for Vigilante and Youth Empowerment, Alhaji Umar Shayi, following information received regarding the unlawful marriage arrangements within Bauchi metropolis.
Following their arrest, the adolescents were handed over to the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence for necessary evaluation and intervention, in line with the committee’s mandate to protect young people.
After thorough deliberations by committee members at the Office of the First Lady, it was resolved that the matter be formally transferred to the Bauchi State Police Command for proper investigation.
The committee emphasized its continued commitment to protecting family values, promoting responsible social conduct among youths, and ensuring that legal processes are followed in all matters affecting adolescent welfare.
Parents and guardians were urged to monitor and guide their children carefully, ensuring that actions contrary to societal and legal standards are prevented,. while reinforcing the importance of family oversight and social responsibility.
Our reporter visited the office of Sharia commission and met the chairman Dr. Hamis Yau and Hisbah Commissioner Dr. Aminu Balarabe Isah on the issue which limented that they have the news of arresting seven affected youth under the custody of Umar Shayi vigilante boys and directed them to hand over the matter to police or Shari’a commission for further investigation.
SP Nafiu Habib police public relations officer in his remarks to our reporter said the affected youth was handed over to their office in police township Bauchi and investigation is on process in police headquarters Bauchi..
