Kano, Nigeria — October 21, 2025
In a dramatic ruling that has sparked widespread debate across Nigeria’s social media space, a Kano State Magistrate Court has ordered two popular TikTok content creators, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, to marry each other within 60 days. The court’s decision follows allegations that the pair published a series of viral videos deemed “indecent” and “contrary to public morality” under the laws of Kano State.
The ruling, which has since gone viral, was delivered on Monday by Magistrate Rabi Lawal, sitting at the Kano Municipal Magistrate Court. The judge found that the videos shared by the duo on TikTok “contradict the moral values and cultural expectations of society,” particularly within the conservative context of northern Nigeria.
The Background: Viral TikTok Videos That Sparked Controversy
Both Wushirya and Yar Guda are well-known figures in the Hausa-speaking online community, boasting thousands of followers on TikTok for their humorous skits and relationship-themed content. However, controversy erupted earlier this month when several clips featuring the pair went viral, with critics claiming that their content contained sexually suggestive scenes that violated the moral codes of the region.
Following public outcry, religious and traditional leaders reportedly petitioned authorities, demanding that action be taken against the creators for “promoting immorality.” The Kano State Hisbah Board — a religious police force charged with enforcing Islamic morality — was said to have taken particular interest in the case, leading to the arrest of both individuals earlier this month.
After their arrest, the two were charged with public nuisance and distribution of obscene content, offenses that fall under sections of the Kano State Sharia Penal Code.
The Court Proceedings
During the court hearing, the prosecution argued that the videos had not only “corrupted public morals” but also “encouraged acts contrary to Islamic teachings.” The prosecutor further alleged that the pair had portrayed themselves as romantic partners, engaging in acts that could “mislead young people.”
In her judgment, Magistrate Rabi Lawal stated that while the content creators might not have intended to cause public outrage, their actions were “reckless and unbecoming.”
The court, rather than imposing a fine or custodial sentence, issued what many have described as an unprecedented ruling — ordering the duo to get married within 60 days as a form of restitution and moral correction.
“The court hereby orders that both defendants, having portrayed themselves as lovers in a manner inconsistent with public decency, shall contract marriage within a period not exceeding sixty (60) days from today,” the magistrate ruled.
Reactions: Public Shock and Legal Debate
The judgment has generated intense debate across social media, legal circles, and human rights groups. While some conservative voices have applauded the decision as a “creative and culturally appropriate solution,” many Nigerians — especially legal experts and online commentators — have condemned the ruling as unconstitutional and coercive.
Human rights lawyer Barrister Aisha Abdullahi described the ruling as “a gross violation of personal liberty and freedom of association,” adding that “no court in Nigeria has the legal authority to compel two adults to marry against their will.”
“This is a dangerous precedent,” Abdullahi said. “Even if the content was deemed indecent, the remedy cannot be to force a marriage. The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association and personal autonomy.”
Similarly, social commentator Malam Sulaiman Musa noted that while Kano operates under a dual legal system that incorporates elements of Sharia law, all rulings must still align with the national constitution. “The magistrate’s decision might be rooted in cultural or moral reasoning, but constitutionally it raises serious questions about due process and individual rights,” he said.
On TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), thousands of users have weighed in on the issue. Hashtags such as #MaiWushirya, #BasiraYarGuda, and #KanoCourt have trended since the announcement. While some commenters praised the ruling as a “moral victory,” others criticized it as “medieval justice in a modern state.”
One user wrote, “Only in Nigeria would a court turn indecency charges into a wedding plan. This is not justice — it’s coercion.” Another added, “If the videos are truly indecent, there are proper legal sanctions, not forced marriage.”
Cultural Context: Morality and Content Creation in Northern Nigeria
Kano State, located in Nigeria’s conservative northwest, operates a legal system that blends Sharia law with Nigeria’s secular legal framework. The state is known for its strict stance on public morality, with the Hisbah Board regularly intervening in cases involving indecent dressing, alcohol consumption, and social media content deemed offensive to Islamic values.
In recent years, the rise of social media influencers in northern Nigeria has created tension between young digital creators and conservative authorities. While TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have offered new platforms for creative expression, some content — especially that involving romance or physical affection — often attracts scrutiny and sanctions from religious bodies.
Legal analysts say the ruling against Wushirya and Yar Guda is emblematic of this broader cultural conflict between modern entertainment trends and deeply rooted traditional norms.
Possible Legal Appeal
Sources close to the defendants indicate that both TikTokers are considering an appeal through their legal counsel. A family member of one of the accused, who spoke anonymously, described the ruling as “shocking and humiliating,” stating that neither party had expressed an interest in marriage before the court’s decision.
“We are still in shock. They are both content creators, not a couple. For a court to order marriage is unfair. Their lawyers are reviewing the judgment,” the relative said.
If appealed, the case could move to a higher court, where constitutional questions regarding individual rights and the scope of Sharia-based rulings in Kano State may come under national scrutiny.
Wider Implications
The judgment underscores the growing tension between Nigeria’s modern digital culture and its religious and traditional legal systems. Experts warn that rulings like this could discourage young creators from pursuing digital content production in conservative regions for fear of persecution.
“This case could have a chilling effect on creative freedom,” said media analyst Dr. Ibrahim Danlami. “When courts start dictating personal relationships as punishment, we enter dangerous territory where moral codes override civil rights.”
Conclusion
As the countdown begins on the court’s 60-day ultimatum, the story of Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda continues to grip the nation. Whether the pair will comply with the ruling or mount a successful legal challenge remains uncertain.
What is clear, however, is that this case has opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing debate over morality, freedom of expression, and the role of religion in governance — a debate that is far from over.
