NBA Faults Kano Court For Ordering TikTokers Mai Wushirya And Yar-guda To Marry
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted the ruling of a Kano State Magistrate Court that ordered TikTok creators Ashiru “Mai Wushirya” Idris and Basira Yar-guda to marry within sixty days.
The controversial order, issued by Magistrate Halima Wali, directed the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board to oversee the marriage ceremony and warned that failure to comply would be treated as contempt of court. The ruling came after Mai Wushirya’s arrest and arraignment for appearing in a viral video where he was seen displaying affection toward Yar-guda.
Reacting through a statement signed by its President, Mazi Osigwe, and shared on X, the NBA condemned the judgment, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of the individuals’ fundamental rights.
According to the association, no Nigerian court has the authority to compel marriage between unwilling adults. “This order demonstrates a grave misunderstanding of the limits of judicial power under the Nigerian Constitution,” the statement read. “Marriage is a voluntary union between consenting adults and cannot be imposed as punishment, moral correction, or judicial remedy.”
The NBA further warned that the decision could damage public confidence in the judiciary and called for an immediate review of the ruling.
“The courts exist to uphold justice and protect citizens’ constitutional rights, not to enforce social or moral expectations,” the statement added.
The association directed its Citizens’ Liberties Committee and Women’s Forum to monitor the case and ensure that the rule of law is maintained.
