The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized a reported ruling by a Kano Magistrate Court, which allegedly ordered two popular TikTok content creators—Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda—to marry within 60 days.
This followed a case brought against the duo over an allegedly “immoral” video posted online.
NBA Slams Ruling as Unconstitutional
In a public statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association called the court’s order a “gross misuse of judicial authority” and an outright violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
“Marriage is a voluntary contract between consenting adults—not a punishment or corrective measure imposed by any court,” the NBA said.
The association emphasized that no Nigerian court has the constitutional power to compel any individual into marriage, and doing so undermines the principles of personal liberty, dignity, and privacy.
Concerns Over Judicial Overreach
The NBA warned that rulings like this one could seriously erode public confidence in the judiciary, calling the directive from Magistrate Halima Wali a dangerous precedent.
“Courts exist to uphold justice—not to enforce moral conformity or societal expectations,” the statement read.
The Bar Association also called for:
- An immediate review of the ruling
- Accountability from relevant judicial oversight bodies
- Ongoing monitoring of the case by the NBA’s Citizens’ Liberties Committee and Women’s Forum
Rights Must Be Protected
In its concluding remarks, the NBA reaffirmed that no individual should ever be forced into marriage, and the state must never be a party to such coercion.
“The rule of law must prevail. Personal choices, especially concerning marriage, must be respected at all times.”
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