Kano Hisbah arrests youths in connection with an alleged illegal marriage conducted without parental consent, sparking fresh debate over religious and legal marital protocols in the state.

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According to a statement released on Monday by Dr Mujahideen Aminuddeen, Deputy Commander General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, five individuals were detained – including the bride, groom, and three others who participated as witnesses and representatives.

The marriage was allegedly formalised with a ₦10,000 dowry, an amount the board claims falls below the minimum threshold recognised by Islamic law, thereby rendering the union invalid under both religious and legal standards.

“This marriage clearly violated both Islamic and legal marital procedures,” said Aminuddeen. “The Hisbah Board has launched a full investigation into the matter.”

He further urged parents to be more vigilant regarding their children’s social interactions and decisions around marriage, adding that marital consent remains a fundamental principle in Islam.

The arrest comes amid ongoing preparations by the Kano State Government for a mass wedding programme involving 2,000 couples, coordinated by the same Hisbah Board.

As part of that initiative, all intending couples are required to register and undergo compulsory medical screenings to ensure health compatibility and legality.

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While the incident has not yet led to formal charges, it raises questions about youth autonomy, religious expectations, and community oversight in Northern Nigeria’s evolving social landscape.