KADUNA, Nigeria — A 20-year-old woman, Fatima, sought refuge in a Shari’a Court in Kaduna on Monday, May 8, 2023, pleading for protection from her father, Aliyu Muhammad, who is attempting to force her to marry a stranger.
Represented by her counsel, Malam Y.A Bulama, Fatima informed the court that she already has someone she loves.
Bulama said, “The father wants my client to marry a man in their village in Niger state. Right now, she’s living in her aunty’s house because he threatened to take her to the village and marry her off.”
Bulama emphasized that Fatima did not file a suit against her father out of disrespect, but rather to protect her autonomy and future happiness.
Aliyu Muhammad countered that his late parents had chosen the groom for his daughter while they were still alive, and he felt obligated to respect their wishes. “I married my six daughters off in the village and they are doing well. Fatima’s mother is the brains behind her stubbornness. I need permission to consult with my people over this matter,” he said.
Judge Malam Isiyaku Abdulrahman acknowledged that under Shari’a law, a father has the right to choose a husband for his daughter. However, he noted that forced marriage is not encouraged and advised the defendant to be patient with his daughter.
“You are her father, therefore you should pray for the best for her because if you are angry with her she won’t see good things. Allow her to present the person she wants to marry and if you are pleased with his religion and character, you allow her to get married,” the judge said.
Judge Abdulrahman also advised Fatima to be a respectful daughter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a harmonious family relationship.
