The Hisbah Command in Katagum Zone of Bauchi State has apprehended seven members of a group known as Wuddadu in Azare Local Government Area for allegedly engaging in illegal wife-swapping. This practice involves the sharing and exchange of wives for marital activities, including sexual relations among the members.
Arrest and Investigation
Zatagun Zonal Commander, Malam Ridwan Muhammad Khairan, disclosed the arrest while speaking with journalists. He stated that the suspects were taken into custody following complaints from concerned residents and other group members. The suspects are accused of arranging for married women to be shared among themselves for sexual and marital purposes.
Khairan emphasized that such practices have no basis in Islamic law. He noted that those involved attempted to justify their actions based on a claim that one of their members had a dream endorsing the practice. The Commander stressed that these actions are unacceptable and warned against practices that contradict established religious and moral teachings of society.
Enforcement Action
The arrest was carried out by the Command's enforcement unit, 'Operation Ko Ba Kobo,' after credible reports about the bizarre practice. According to Khairan, the suspects admitted to organizing and engaging in the strange arrangement without any religious backing. He explained that under Islamic law, marriage must be properly conducted and witnessed, and that the act committed by the suspects is tantamount to adultery.
Khairan warned that the Command would not hesitate to take firm legal action against anyone found engaging in such practices in the future. He urged members of the Muslim community to seek proper religious knowledge and adhere strictly to the teachings of Islamic Sharia.
Community Cooperation
The Commander appreciated residents of Azare for their cooperation, particularly the Katagum Emirate Council, members of Jama'atu Izalatul Bid'a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) and other Islamic groups, as well as the Guddiri Youths Forum, for their role in promoting moral values and peace.
Group Leader's Statement
Also speaking, the leader of the Wuddadu group in Azare, Malam Sagir Bashir, said the group had spent over a year trying to address the behavior of those involved. He explained that several warnings, counseling sessions, and interventions were made to correct the individuals, but the practice continued secretly. Bashir said the decision to report the matter to the Hisbah Command became necessary to safeguard the moral integrity of the community.
He added that a similar incident had occurred over a year ago, during which the individuals involved were cautioned and promised to desist, but later they resumed the act. He clarified that the practice was not part of the group's teachings, but was allegedly influenced by claims from one member who said he had dreams endorsing the act. Bashir warned those involved to desist immediately or face expulsion from the group.
Suspect's Claim
One of the suspects reportedly told Hisbah officials that his involvement was driven by repeated dreams he believed justified the practice. However, authorities dismissed the claim as baseless.
Conclusion
The Hisbah Command reaffirmed its stance against unlawful and immoral marriage practices, emphasizing that such acts are unacceptable under both religious and societal laws. The suspects have expressed remorse and pledged to abandon the practice, while investigations continue with the possibility of further legal action to prevent a recurrence.
