ABUJA, NIGERIA: A Kano State Magistrate Court has issued a surprising judgment ordering two well-known TikTok creators, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, to marry each other within 60 days. The ruling, which has stirred widespread reactions across social media, follows allegations that the pair shared videos considered indecent and contrary to public morality under Kano State law.
The judgment was delivered on Monday by Magistrate Rabi Lawal of the Kano Municipal Magistrate Court. According to the court, the videos posted by the duo were found to contradict the moral and cultural values of society, particularly within the conservative setting of northern Nigeria.
The Background: Viral Videos and Public Outcry
Both Wushirya and Yar Guda are popular figures in the Hausa-speaking online community, known for their humorous and relationship-based skits on TikTok. Their content drew controversy earlier this month when several clips went viral, prompting criticism from religious and traditional leaders who argued that the videos contained scenes offensive to public morality.
The Kano State Hisbah Board, an Islamic police force responsible for upholding religious values, reportedly became involved following public complaints. The creators were subsequently arrested and charged with public nuisance and the distribution of obscene content under the Kano State Sharia Penal Code.
The Court’s Ruling
During the hearing, prosecutors maintained that the videos undermined public morals and promoted behavior contrary to Islamic teachings. They argued that the pair’s portrayal as romantic partners could negatively influence young viewers.
In her ruling, Magistrate Lawal said that although the content might not have been intended to provoke outrage, it was “reckless and unbecoming.” Rather than imposing a fine or imprisonment, the court issued what many have called an unprecedented decision — ordering the two to marry each other within 60 days as a corrective measure.
“The court hereby orders that both defendants, having portrayed themselves as lovers in a manner inconsistent with public decency, shall contract marriage within a period not exceeding sixty (60) days from today,” the judge ruled.
Reactions and Legal Concerns
The decision has sparked intense debate across Nigeria’s social media platforms, legal circles, and human rights communities. While some conservative voices view the ruling as a culturally appropriate response, many others have criticized it as unconstitutional and coercive.
Human rights lawyer Barrister Aisha Abdullahi described the ruling as “a violation of personal liberty and freedom of association,” arguing that no court has the authority to compel adults to marry. Similarly, legal analysts pointed out that although Kano operates under a dual legal system that includes Sharia law, all judicial decisions must still align with Nigeria’s national constitution.
On platforms such as TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), hashtags including #MaiWushirya, #BasiraYarGuda, and #KanoCourt have trended. Opinions remain divided — some call the decision a moral lesson, while others label it “medieval justice in a modern era.”
Cultural Context
Kano State, located in Nigeria’s conservative northwest, operates under a legal system that blends Islamic and secular laws. Authorities there often take a strict stance on issues of public morality, with the Hisbah Board regularly intervening in cases involving social media content, dressing, and public behavior deemed offensive to Islamic values.
The ruling against Wushirya and Yar Guda reflects the ongoing tension between traditional norms and the evolving world of digital content creation. Legal experts note that the case underscores broader questions about how morality and modern entertainment coexist in conservative societies.
Possible Appeal
Sources close to the defendants say both creators are considering an appeal. A relative of one of them described the decision as “unexpected and humiliating,” adding that the two had never expressed interest in marrying. Their legal team is reportedly reviewing the judgment and may challenge it in a higher court.
If appealed, the case could prompt national discussions on constitutional rights, personal freedom, and the boundaries of Sharia-based rulings.
Broader Implications
Observers warn that the decision could discourage young Nigerians from creating content online, especially in conservative regions. Media analyst Dr. Ibrahim Danlami said, “When courts start turning moral offenses into marriage orders, it sends a chilling message to creative voices.”
As the 60-day deadline approaches, the case of Wushirya and Yar Guda continues to capture national attention — raising important questions about the balance between morality, freedom of expression, and individual rights in Nigeria.
