In an unprecedented ruling that has ignited furious debate across Nigeria, a Kano State Magistrate Court has ordered two popular TikTok content creators, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, to get married within the next 60 days or face further legal sanctions.
The court delivered the judgment after the duo were arraigned on charges relating to the creation and distribution of what the court deemed “indecent” and “morally offensive” viral videos. The ruling essentially serves as a forced measure to “rehabilitate” the influencers’ public image and conduct under the umbrella of marriage.
Mai Wushirya and Yar Guda, known for their provocative and sometimes controversial skits, now have two months to formally wed. The Magistrate presiding over the case stated that the marriage would serve as a corrective measure, compelling them to adhere to stricter social and moral standards expected within the state, which is primarily governed by Islamic law alongside the civil code.
The unusual judicial order has immediately triggered mixed reactions across Nigeria, splitting public opinion down sharp lines. Many in Northern Nigeria and conservative circles have hailed the verdict as a necessary action to protect societal values from the “corrupting influence” of social media. They view the ruling as a bold move to enforce cultural decency and curb the proliferation of content deemed immoral.
Conversely, human rights advocates, legal experts, and youths largely condemned the order as a gross violation of fundamental human rights. Critics argue that the state has no place compelling two adults into marriage, regardless of their public content. Hashtags demanding the court reverse the “unconstitutional” order are currently trending across social media platforms.
“This is not a marriage counselor’s office; it is a court of law,” stated one prominent Lagos-based legal analyst. “To use marriage as a judicial punishment is an archaic and dangerous precedent that undermines both the sanctity of marriage and individual freedom.”
As the 60-day countdown begins, the fate of the two TikTokers and the wider implications for content creation and personal liberty in Nigeria hangs precariously in the balance. Streetnews will continue to monitor the legal appeals and public developments surrounding this landmark ruling.
