Hisba Arrests Suspects Over Alleged Wife-Swapping Marriage Scheme in Azare

The Hisba Command in Katagum Zone has arrested several members of the Wuddadu group in Azare, Bauchi State, over an alleged case of unlawful marriage involving the exchange of spouses.

The Zonal Commander, Malam Ridwan Muhammad Khairan, disclosed that the arrests followed reports from concerned residents and members of the group.

He said the operation was executed by the Command’s enforcement unit, “Operation Ko Ba Kobo.”

According to Khairan, the suspects admitted to initiating and practicing the arrangement without any religious or legal backing.

He commended residents of Azare for their cooperation, particularly members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah JIBWIS and the Guddiri Youths Forum, for their role in upholding moral standards.

Speaking on the development, the leader of the Wuddadu group in Azare, Malam Sagir, revealed that the group had spent over two years attempting to address the conduct internally.

He said multiple warnings, counselling sessions and community interventions were undertaken to reform those involved, but the practice persisted discreetly.

Sagir noted that the decision to escalate the matter to the Hisba Command became necessary to safeguard the moral fabric of the community.

One of the suspects reportedly claimed his involvement was influenced by recurring dreams he believed justified the act.

However, the authorities dismissed the claim as unfounded.

The Hisba Command reaffirmed its stance against unlawful and immoral marriage practices, stressing that such acts contravene both religious and societal norms.

The suspects have expressed remorse and pledged to desist, while investigations continue with the possibility of further legal and corrective actions to prevent a recurrence.