Map of Bauchi state

Author: Gist Correspondent

Authorities in Bauchi State have uncovered an alleged underage marriage arrangement involving minors who reportedly contracted marriage with a bride price of just N3,000.

The young couple, said to be below the age of 18, were arrested in Bauchi metropolis alongside other individuals linked to the ceremony and later presented before the Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence chaired by the wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Aisha Bala Mohammed.

Also apprehended were wedding guests, an alleged illegal Imam who conducted the marriage rites, and an underage girl said to have acted as the bride’s mother during the ceremony.

The arrests were carried out by the Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency in collaboration with the Bauchi State Police Command.

Speaking during the presentation of the suspects, the Commander of Hisbah in the state, Mohammed Bununu, declared the marriage invalid and contrary to the principles guiding Sharia practice in the state.

According to him, the bride’s father denied having any knowledge of the marriage arrangement.

Bununu warned against such practices, insisting that Bauchi State would not tolerate illegal or improper marriages, and urged families to uphold Islamic teachings and moral values.

Also speaking, the First Lady of the state, Aisha Bala Mohammed, blamed the development on poverty, moral decline and poor parental upbringing.

She called on parents to take greater responsibility for the welfare and moral guidance of their children, stressing the need to revive religious and family values.

The governor’s wife further linked the trend to uncontrolled family sizes and the neglect of children at an early age.