A Shari’a Court at Magajin Gari, Kaduna has ordered a man, Malam Danlami Muhammad, to conclude his background check on his daughter’s suitor within three weeks. The order followed a suit filed by his former wife, Aina’u Umar. She asked the court to compel him to give his blessings for their daughter’s marriage.
Islamic marriage in northern Nigeria requires a guardian, known as a wali, to consent on behalf of the bride. The father or his male relative acts as wali. Without his consent, the marriage cannot be solemnised under Islamic law. The requirement protects the bride but can also be used to obstruct a marriage. In 2023, a similar case in Kano reached the High Court. In 2024, a father in Sokoto was ordered to grant consent after years of delay. The courts intervene when guardians withhold consent unreasonably.
Aina’u Umar told the court she went to her former husband’s house to inform him of their 18-year-old daughter Aisha’s plan to marry. He told her to get any of her boyfriends to marry the girl off. His brother intervened. He said he would not give his blessings because he was still investigating the suitor. “My former husband told his brother that he was not satisfied with what he found out about the suitor,” she said. She said it had been months.
Muhammad told the court he was still investigating. “I want to know the kind of person my daughter wants to marry,” he said. He said the suitor could not answer some questions. He said he was also preparing for his own marriage. He said he was overwhelmed by the investigation and pressured by his ex-wife and daughter. He said he was almost through.
The judge, Malam Mu’awiyah Shehu, adjourned the case to 16 November. He directed the defendant to conclude the investigation and present the result to the court.
Winners: Aina’u Umar, who gains court intervention. Aisha, who may proceed with her marriage. The court, which asserts authority. Losers: Muhammad, who faces a deadline. The suitor, who faces scrutiny. Critics who see the court as interfering in family matters. No serious losers if the investigation concludes.
Bottom Line: A father investigated a suitor. Months passed. The court set a deadline. The girl wants to marry. The father wants certainty. Three weeks is enough. The court will decide what comes next.