The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned a recent court order by a Kano State Magistrate Court.
The court had ordered TikTok stars Ashiru “Mai Wushirya” Idris and Basira Yar-guda to marry each other.
Magistrate Halima Wali had instructed the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board to oversee the wedding and directed that it take place within sixty days, warning that failure to comply would constitute contempt of court.
The order followed Mai Wushirya’s arrest over a TikTok video showing him displaying affectionate behavior toward Yar-guda.
In response, the NBA condemned the ruling, describing it as unconstitutional and beyond the court’s authority. In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Osigwe, the association stressed that no court in Nigeria can compel two people to marry.
The statement said:
“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. 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 also warned that such rulings could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and called for the decision to be reviewed. It emphasized that courts must protect constitutional rights rather than enforce social conformity or moral compulsion.
“The NBA urges an immediate review of this decision and calls on relevant judicial authorities to prevent similar unconstitutional orders in the future. Our Citizens’ Liberties Committee and Women’s Forum will monitor the situation to ensure the rule of law is upheld,” the association added.
