The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned an alleged court order in Kano State that reportedly mandates two popular TikTok content creators to marry each other within 60 days.
The creators, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, became the subject of controversy after a video they posted online, which featured affectionate scenes, was deemed “indecent” by state authorities.
The Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board claimed the content violated public morality and religious norms.
Following their arraignment, Magistrate Halima Wali allegedly issued an order requiring the two to marry as part of a ruling tied to charges of producing and distributing obscene material.
In a swift response, NBA President Afam Osigwe described the reported court directive as an outrageous misuse of judicial power.
“No court in Nigeria has the constitutional authority to compel two people to marry,” Osigwe said.
“Such an order is unlawful, unconstitutional, and a violation of the fundamental rights of the individuals involved.”
Osigwe emphasized that marriage is a voluntary union between consenting adults, and cannot be imposed by any institution, especially as a form of punishment or social correction.
“This alleged ruling tramples on the rights to personal liberty, dignity, and privacy as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” he added.
The NBA president further stated that forcing marriage through a court order represents a serious case of judicial overreach and could erode public trust in Nigeria’s legal system.
“Courts must serve as defenders of justice and constitutional freedoms, not as tools for enforcing morality or cultural norms.”
He called for an urgent review of the case by the appropriate judicial authorities and urged the judiciary to prevent similar unconstitutional decisions in the future.
The NBA also directed its Citizens’ Liberties Committee and Women’s Forum to closely follow the situation and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.
This incident follows increased scrutiny over the role of social media in Nigerian society and the response of state authorities, particularly in conservative regions like Kano.
