The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned a recent ruling by a Kano State Magistrate Court ordering TikTok content creators Ashiru “Mai Wushirya” Idris and Basira Yar-guda to marry each other within sixty days.
The order, issued by Magistrate Halima Wali, also directed the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board to oversee the marriage, warning that failure to comply would amount to contempt of court.
The directive followed the arrest of Mai Wushirya over a TikTok video in which he was seen displaying affectionate behavior toward Yar-guda.
Reacting to the development, the NBA described the ruling as unconstitutional and beyond the powers of the court.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association said no court in Nigeria has the legal authority to compel individuals to marry, emphasizing that such an order violates fundamental human rights.
“This development reflects a grave misunderstanding of the limits of judicial authority under the Nigerian Constitution and constitutes an affront to the fundamental rights of the individuals concerned,” the statement read.
“Marriage is a voluntary union between consenting adults and cannot be imposed as punishment, moral correction, or judicial remedy. Any attempt to do so violates the rights to personal liberty, dignity, and privacy as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
The NBA further warned that rulings of this nature could erode public confidence in the judiciary. It urged an immediate review of the court’s decision and called on judicial authorities to prevent similar unconstitutional orders in the future.
“Our Citizens’ Liberties Committee and Women’s Forum will monitor the situation to ensure that the rule of law and fundamental rights of citizens are upheld,” the association added.