HISBAH Command in Bauchi State has arrested seven persons in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, over an alleged wife-swapping arrangement described as unlawful and immoral.
The suspects, said to be members of a group known as Wuddadu, were accused of secretly exchanging their spouses for sexual relationships among themselves.
Speaking with journalists, the Katagum Zonal Commander, Malam Ridwan Muhammad Khairan, said the arrests followed credible complaints from residents and concerned members of the group.
He stated that preliminary findings showed the suspects deliberately organised the practice and attempted to justify it using claims of spiritual revelations.
“There is no basis for such actions in Islam. Marriage must follow laid-down principles, and what they engaged in is clearly against Sharia and tantamount to adultery,” Khairan said.
He added that the suspects were apprehended by the command’s enforcement team, Operation Ko Ba Kobo, after intelligence reports exposed the activity.
Khairan warned that the command would clamp down on any conduct that contradicts religious teachings and societal values.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious practices, while encouraging adherence to proper Islamic guidance.
Reacting to the development, the leader of the Wuddadu group, Malam Sagir Bashir, distanced the association from the act, describing it as a deviation by a few members.
According to him, the group had made several attempts over the past year to stop the behaviour through counselling and warnings, but the individuals continued in secret.
He said the decision to alert the Hisbah Command was taken to protect the moral standing of the community.
Bashir further revealed that those involved had earlier been cautioned over a similar incident but failed to keep their promise to desist.
