Forceful marriage of 14-yrs-old girl: Reps to probe Emir of Katsina

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– The House of Representatives adopts a motion to probe the circumstances surrounding the alleged forced marriage of a teenager in Katsina state

– The lawmakers warn that if nothing is done about the issue, the trend might continue, which will be a threat to peace and unity in the country

The abducted girl, Habiba (on the left) and her father, Isiyaku Tanko (on the right). Photo credits: The Punch.

The House of Representatives has mandated two of its committees to investigate the alleged abduction and forceful marriage of 14-year old Habiba Isa by the Katsina Emirate.

READ ALSO: 100 Chibok girls reluctant to return home – Community leader

The girl’s father, Isiyaku Tanko had disclosed to the media that his daughter was kidnapped from school in Kudun Kankara, Kastina state by one Jamilu Lawal.

He also said that she had been forcefully converted to Islam and married off by the Emir without her parents’ consent to her abductor.

Reacting to reports in the media, the House consequently called for the matter to be investigated.

According to Daily Trust, adopting a motion by Rep Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe (PDP, Imo) the House said section 21 of the Child’s Rights Act provides that “No person shall remove or take a child out of the custody or protection of his father or mother or guardian against the will of the father, mother or guardian.”

The lawmakers added that the alleged marriage was without the consent of her parents, who have been reported to be under threat and harassment over their request for the release of their daughter.

The House members warned that if nothing was done about the issue, the trend might continue, which would be a threat to peace and unity in the country.

The lawmakers charged the committees on Women Affairs and Human Rights to probe the matter and report in to the House in four weeks.

Meanwhile, the parents of Ese Oruru, the teenager who was abducted and married off by Yunusa Dahiru have cried out to the general public over demeaning treatment from authorities of the Nigeria police, Vanguard reports.

Speaking to journalists after a court session at the Federal High Court in Yenogoa, Ese’s mother, Rose said her daughter and the new born are not properly taken care of at the police officers mess where they are kept.

Rose said she believes and daughter and grandchild need proper care with regards to nutrition and psychology.

She said her family has been confined to a room at the officers’ mess where they sleep with dustbin in the room.


Source: http://latestnigerianews.com.ng/forceful-marriage-of-14-yrs-old-girl-reps-to-probe-emir-of-katsina/