By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
A group of people popularly known as Wuddadu group in Azare, headquarters of Katagum LGA of Bauchi State, have been arrested by the State Hisbah Command of the Sharia Commission for allegedly engaged exchange of wives.
The arrest was effected by the Hisba Command in Katagum Zone, explaining that the development has raised serious concerns about morality and societal reorientation.
It was learnt that members of the group usually exchanged their wives to each other for number of day under the pretense of short marriage.
Zonal Commander of Hisbah in Azare, Malam Ridwan Muhammad Khairan, confirmed that the suspects were arrested following reports from concerned residents and some members of the group.
He explained that his enforcement team, known as “Operation Ko Ba Kobo,” carried out the operation which led to their arrest in their location within the city.
According to the Commander, the suspects confessed to creating and practicing the marriage arrangement by themselves without any religious or legal approval and backing, just experience rights to live and associate.
He thanked the people of Azare for their support and cooperation, especially members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) and the Guddiri Youths Forum for their efforts in maintaining peace and moral standards in the community.
On his part, the leader of the Wuddadu group in Azare, Malam Sagir, disclosed that the group had for over two years been battling internally to address the conduct of the individuals involved.
He stated that several warnings, counseling sessions, and community interventions were made in an effort to correct the situation and guide the individuals back to acceptable moral and religious standards, but all the efforts were crippled as the practice continued in secrecy.
He emphasized that the decision to report the matter to the Hisbah Command became necessary in order to prevent further moral decay and protect the integrity of the community.
One of the suspects revealed during conversation session with officials of Hisba Command, that, his involvement in the act was influenced by what he described as repeated dreams which he believed justified the practice.
However, authorities have dismissed such claims as baseless and misleading as the Hisba Command reiterated its firm stance against any form of unlawful or immoral marriage practices.
It stressed that such actions remain unacceptable under both religious and societal laws, and, it must be checked with stern action.
The suspects have since expressed remorse over their actions and pledged to abandon the practice, as investigations continue with the possibility of further legal and corrective measures to ensure compliance and prevent recurrence.
On the side of the women, they confessed to participation in the act as directed by their husbands who convinced them that it was a normal thing to do.
Just like the husbands, the wives too expressed remorse and pledged never to indulge in such acts again and pleaded for leniency.
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