Bauchi Hisbah Cracks Down on ‘Wife-Swapping’ Ring, Arrests Seven in Azare
The Hisbah Command in Katagum Zone of Bauchi State has arrested seven men over their alleged involvement in a controversial wife-sharing arrangement in Azare, headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area.
Global Mirror News gathered that the suspects, said to be members of a group identified as Wuddadu, were apprehended following complaints from concerned residents and insiders who raised alarm over the group’s activities.
According to the Zonal Commander, Malam Ridwan Muhammad Khairan, the group was accused of organizing a system where married women were exchanged among members under the guise of marital relations. He stressed that the practice has no foundation in Islamic law or accepted societal norms.
Khairan disclosed that the arrest was carried out by the Command’s enforcement unit, Operation Ko Ba Kobo, after credible intelligence confirmed the existence of the arrangement.
He added that the suspects admitted to participating in the act and attempting to justify it based on claims that one of them had dreams endorsing the practice.
Describing the act as a serious violation of religious and moral standards, the Hisbah boss stated that such conduct is equivalent to adultery under Islamic law, which strictly regulates marriage procedures and relationships.
He warned that the Command would take decisive legal action against anyone found engaging in similar practices, reiterating the Agency’s commitment to upholding moral discipline and Sharia compliance in the state.
The Commander also urged members of the Muslim community to seek proper religious guidance and avoid misleading interpretations that could lead to immoral behavior.
He commended residents of Azare, the Katagum Emirate Council, Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), and youth groups for their cooperation in exposing the practice and promoting community values.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Wuddadu group, Malam Sagir Bashir, revealed that the group had spent over a year trying to correct the behaviour of those involved through counselling and warnings, but the acts continued secretly.
He explained that the group eventually reported the matter to Hisbah to protect the integrity of the Community, noting that a similar incident had occurred in the past, with those involved failing to keep their promise to desist.
Bashir clarified that the practice is not part of the group’s doctrine but was allegedly influenced by one member’s claims of recurring dreams. He warned that any member found engaging in such conduct would face expulsion.
One of the suspects reportedly admitted to acting based on such dreams, a claim authorities dismissed as unfounded.
The arrested individuals have since expressed remorse and pledged to abandon the practice, while investigations remain ongoing with the possibility of further legal action.
