Keypoints:
- Kano court gives TikTok pair 60 days to wed
- Hisbah Board tasked with overseeing marriage
- Nigerians divided over court-enforced union
A MAGISTRATE court in Kano has ordered two popular Nigerian TikTok personalities, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, to marry within 60 days after finding them guilty of producing what it described as ‘immoral’ online content.
The unusual ruling, issued by Magistrate Halima Wali on October 20, follows months of viral videos showing the duo acting as a romantic couple on TikTok. Their playful exchanges, which drew millions of views, caught the attention of state authorities who accused them of breaching moral and religious codes.
Religious board to oversee marriage
According to Nigeria’s Daily Trust, the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board claimed the pair’s videos crossed Islamic and cultural lines. The court subsequently directed the Kano State Hisbah Board—the state’s Islamic morality enforcement agency—to arrange and formalise their marriage within two months.
Magistrate Wali warned that failure to comply would amount to contempt of court, saying the directive aimed to correct what she termed ‘public indecency’ promoted through social media.
The Hisbah Board, known for enforcing Islamic law in the predominantly Muslim northern state, was instructed to supervise all marriage preparations.
Hisbah promises no forced union
Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, head of the Hisbah Board, told journalists that discussions had already begun with both TikTokers. However, he emphasised that the marriage would not be forced.
‘We are speaking with both of them respectfully,’ Daurawa said. ‘If they both consent, we will facilitate the marriage and ensure the required medical and genotype tests are done, as is the norm in Kano.’
He added that Hisbah’s role was to ensure moral standards, not to violate personal rights.
Social media divided
The ruling has ignited a heated national debate. While some Nigerians see it as a humorous or fitting conclusion to a viral love story, others have criticised the court’s order as a violation of personal freedom.
Supporters of the judgment argue that it sends a clear message against indecent behaviour online and upholds the moral fabric of society. Critics, however, say it blurs the line between religion and state, raising concerns about judicial overreach in a secular country.
‘It’s one thing to regulate morality,’ one social media user wrote, ‘but quite another to legislate love.’
As the 60-day countdown begins, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether Idris and Basira will walk down the aisle—or appeal what could become a landmark case in the intersection of faith, law, and digital culture.
