Sokoto Hisbah Bans Wedding Introduction Gifts, DJs, Mixed Entertainment
By Ichie Times
The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has announced restrictions on several practices associated with weddings and social gatherings, citing concerns over religious teachings and societal morality.
The Commander of the board, Malam Usman Abdullahi Jatau, announced the measures on Monday, July 27, saying they take immediate effect.
Among the practices prohibited is “Na Gani In So,” a marriage introduction custom where a prospective groom’s family presents items such as soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts to the bride’s family.
The board also banned DJs and Wazigidi music at ceremonies, as well as the use of loudspeakers and excessive sound systems mounted on commercial tricycles.
Other practices listed by the Hisbah include women sitting beside tricycle riders, mixed gender entertainment gatherings, hairstyles it considers indecent for children and youths, and excessive spending on bridal gifts known as “lefe.”
Jatau said the restrictions were intended to promote morality and preserve what the board considers Islamic and cultural values in the state.
He described the prohibited practices as innovations that, in the board’s interpretation, conflict with the Sunnah and called on parents, intending couples and their families to comply with the directives.
The Hisbah commander warned that the board would intervene where it receives reports of the prohibited practices taking place, urging residents to cooperate with its enforcement efforts.
