In a controversial ruling that has sparked widespread debate, a Magistrate Court in Kano State has ordered two popular TikTokers — Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda — to marry within 60 days, following their appearance in a viral video deemed “indecent” by local authorities.

 

Presiding over the case on Monday, Magistrate Halima Wali directed the Kano State Hisbah Board to facilitate the marriage between the two content creators, warning that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would be treated as contempt of court.

 

The court also mandated the Chairman of the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board to supervise and ensure the marriage is conducted as ordered.

The duo was arrested after videos surfaced online showing them engaging in romantic gestures that authorities claim violate the moral and religious standards upheld in Kano, a predominantly Muslim state governed under Sharia-influenced regulations.

 

Mai Wushirya had earlier been remanded in a correctional facility over the incident, which authorities described as involving “indecent and immoral acts.”

 

Their arrest was carried out by the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board, with support from the Hisbah, an Islamic morality enforcement agency that has taken a hardline stance against what it deems “immoral content” on social media.

The ruling comes amid an intensifying government crackdown on social media influencers and entertainers in Kano. In recent months, multiple TikTokers, skit makers, and musicians have been arrested, detained, or sanctioned for producing or sharing content considered offensive or contrary to local cultural and religious norms.

 

The state government has defended its actions as necessary to preserve public morality, while critics argue that such enforcement infringes on creative freedom and individual rights.

Nigeria’s digital content creation scene has exploded in recent years, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube offering young creators new avenues for expression, fame, and income. However, in states like Kano where religious and cultural conservatism remains strong, creators often face strict limitations on what is considered acceptable.

The court’s order for a forced marriage has drawn mixed reactions online. While some conservative voices support the decision as a means to enforce morality, others have slammed it as a violation of personal rights and autonomy, arguing that marriage should be a mutual decision, not one dictated by a court.

 

Legal experts have also raised constitutional concerns, questioning the legality of compelling marriage as a punitive measure under Nigerian law.

Unless overturned or appealed, the court order stands, and the Hisbah Board is now tasked with ensuring the wedding takes place. It remains unclear whether the TikTokers intend to challenge the ruling, but the case continues to draw national attention.