Some members of a group known as the Wuddadu in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have been arrested by the State Hisbah Command of the Sharia Commission for allegedly engaging in swapping of their wives.
The Hisbah Command in Katagum Zone confirmed the arrests, stating that the situation has raised serious concerns about morality and societal re-orientation.
Reports that members of the group usually swapped their wives among themselves for a few days, under the pretense of short marriages.
The Zonal Commander of Hisbah in Azare, Malam Ridwan Muhammad Khairan, confirmed that the suspects were arrested following reports by concerned residents and some members of the group opposed to the practice.
He explained that his enforcement team, known as “Operation Ko Ba Kobo,” carried out the operation, which led to their arrest at their location within the city.
According to the commander, the suspects confessed to creating and practising the “marriage” arrangement by themselves without any religious or legal approval and backing, just exercising their right to live and associate.
He thanked residents 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, leader of the Wuddadu group in Azare, Malam Sagir, disclosed that the group has in the past two years been battling internally to address the conduct of the individuals involved.
He stated that several warnings, counselling sessions, and community interventions were made to correct the situation and guide the individuals back to acceptable moral and religious standards, but the practice continued in secrecy.
He emphasised 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 interrogation 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 must be taken.
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.
As with their husbands, the wives also expressed remorse and pledged not to indulge in such acts again and pleaded for leniency.
- Media Report