By peace Udugba
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned a recent ruling by a Kano State Magistrate Court which ordered two TikTok content creators, Ashiru Idris, popularly known as “Mai Wushirya,” and Basira Yar-guda, to marry each other.
The controversial order was issued by Magistrate Halima Wali, who directed the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board to oversee the wedding within 60 days. She further warned that failure to comply would amount to contempt of court.
The court’s directive came after Mai Wushirya was arrested in connection with a viral TikTok video in which he was seen displaying affection toward Yar-guda — a clip some deemed inappropriate.
Reacting to the ruling, the NBA, in a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), described the order as unconstitutional and a gross overreach of judicial authority.
“This development reflects a grave misunderstanding of the limits of judicial authority under the Nigerian Constitution and constitutes an affront to the fundamental rights of the individuals concerned,” the NBA stated.
“Marriage is a voluntary union between consenting adults and cannot be imposed as punishment, moral correction, or judicial remedy. Any attempt to do so violates the rights to personal liberty, dignity, and privacy as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.”
The NBA called for the immediate review and nullification of the order, urging all arms of government to respect constitutional boundaries and uphold human rights.
