The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the reported abduction and forceful marriage of a 14-year-old girl, Habiba Isa.
The marriage, which received the support of the Katsina State Emirate Council, has come under criticism in the past week.
She was said to have been first abducted and converted from Christianity to Islam before the forced marriage took place.
The teenager was married to an aide in the Emir’s palace.
After adopting a motion by Mr. Nnana Igbokwe on Tuesday, the House directed its Committee on Women Affairs to investigate the allegation.
Igbokwe informed the House that the marriage was without the consent of the parents of the girl.
He added that when the parents tried to secure her freedom, they were threatened and harassed repeatedly in Katsina State.
Igbokwe argued that under the Child’s Rights Act, it was an offence to take a child from the custody of the parents without the consent of the latter.
He stated, “Section 21 of the Child’s Rights Act stipulates 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.”
Igbokwe also reminded his colleagues that under the Act, “any marriage so contracted is null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”
Lawmakers passed the resolution in a unanimous voice vote. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
How does a 65 year old man consent to a minor marrying at the age of 14 just to obey religious injunction. What does Islam teach about about Vesicoveginal fistula. If a religion encourages habits that endanger life, that religion can't be of God
ReplyDeleteThese unpatriotic and inhuman Nigerians should be called to order. The God of the Christians will avenge this injustice. What a shameful religious practice.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Lugard saw in these animals that made him join us with them?
ReplyDeleteI wish I could lay my hands of on this idiot called Emir.
What are you guyz investigating, even if is true...what are you guys going to do about it?
ReplyDeleteWhat are you guyz investigating, even if is true...what are you guys going to do about it?
ReplyDelete