The Hisbah Command in Katagum Zone of Bauchi State has arrested seven members of a group known as Wuddadu in Azare Local Government Area over an alleged illegal wife-swapping.
The practice involves the sharing and exchange of their wives for marital activities including sexual relations among themselves.
Zatagun Zonal Commander, Malam Ridwan Muhammad Khairan, who disclosed while speaking with journalists said that the suspects were apprehended following complaints from concerned residents and other members of the group.
He said the suspects were accused of engaging in arrangements where married women were shared among themselves for sexual and marital purposes.
The Hisbah Commander stated that the practice has no basis in Islamic law, noting that those involved attempted to justify it based on a claim that one of their members had a dream.
He emphasised that such actions are unacceptable and warned against practices that contradict established religious and moral teachings of the society.
He said the arrest was carried out by the Command’s enforcement unit, ‘Operation Ko Ba Kobo,’ after credible reports about the bizarre practice.
According to him, the suspects admitted to organising and engaging in the strange arrangement without any religious backing.
Khairan explained that under Islamic law, marriage must be properly conducted and witnessed, stressing that the act committed by the suspects was tantamount to adultery.
He warned that the Command would not hesitate to take firm legal action against anyone found engaging in such practices anymore.
The Commander urged members of the Muslim community to seek proper religious knowledge and adhere strictly to the teachings of Islamic Sharia.
He also appreciated residents of Azare for their cooperation, particularly Katagum Emirate Council, members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) and other Islamic groups, the Guddiri Youths Forum, for their role in promoting moral values and peace.
Also speaking, the leader of the Wuddadu group in Azare, Malam Sagir Bashir, said the group had spent over a year trying to address the behaviour of those involved.
He explained that several warnings, counselling sessions, and interventions were made to correct the individuals, but the practice continued secretly.
Bashir said the decision to report the matter to the Hisbah Command became necessary to safeguard the moral integrity of the community.
He added that a similar incident had occurred over a year ago, during which the individuals involved were cautioned and promised to desist, but later they resumed the act.
He clarified that the practice was not part of the group’s teachings, but was allegedly influenced by claims from one member who said he had dreams endorsing the act.
He stated that they have made repeated efforts to curb such behaviour.
Bashir warned those involved to desist immediately or face expulsion from the group.
One of the suspects reportedly told Hisbah officials that his involvement was driven by repeated dreams he believed justified the practice.
However, authorities dismissed the claim as baseless.
The Hisbah Command reaffirmed its stance against unlawful and immoral marriage practices, emphasising that such acts are unacceptable under both religious and societal laws.
The suspects have expressed remorse and pledged to abandon the practice, while investigations continued with the possibility of further legal action to prevent a recurrence.
