Hisbah Board Dissolves Marriage of Young Lovers in Kano Over Violation of Islamic Law

The Kano State Hisbah Board has officially dissolved the marriage of two young lovers, stating that the union contravened a key principle of Islamic marital law.

The Islamic enforcement agency, which operates under the Shariah legal framework in Kano State, said the decision followed an investigation that found the couple failed to comply with one of the fundamental requirements for a valid marriage under Islam. Though the board did not publicly disclose the specific clause violated, sources within the agency revealed that the marriage may have occurred without the mandatory consent of a guardian (wali), a condition necessary for the legality of a marriage in Islamic tradition—particularly when involving young women.

Speaking to journalists in Kano, Lawal Ibrahim Fagge, the Public Relations Officer of the Hisbah Board, confirmed the development and defended the board’s decision, saying it was based on due legal and religious consultation.

“The Hisbah Board remains committed to upholding Islamic values in Kano State,” Fagge stated. “The marriage was found to have breached a fundamental condition prescribed by Shariah law, and therefore could not be recognized as valid. Our intervention was not punitive but corrective, to ensure that Islamic marital guidelines are respected.”

According to Islamic jurisprudence—especially under the Maliki school of thought, which is predominantly followed in northern Nigeria—a marriage without the consent of a guardian is not valid, and any union established without fulfilling this requirement can be declared null and void by religious authorities.

Although no legal charges were brought against the couple, both individuals were reportedly counseled by Hisbah officials and advised on proper procedures for contracting a lawful marriage in accordance with Islamic norms. The names of the individuals involved were withheld, in line with the board’s policy of protecting the privacy and dignity of those affected.

The incident has triggered discussions both within the state and across social media platforms, with mixed reactions from the public. While many residents praised the board for maintaining Islamic order and moral discipline, others criticized the move as an intrusion into private life.

The Hisbah Board, established in Kano in 2003, continues to serve as the religious morality police, enforcing Islamic codes of conduct across the state. Its responsibilities include monitoring public behavior, discouraging immoral acts, and ensuring that marriages and other civil matters conform to Islamic teachings.

This latest action by the board reinforces its authority in marital oversight and further show the role Shariah law plays in the everyday lives of citizens in northern Nigeria.