Bauchi Govt Busts Alleged Underage Wedding After Bride Price Was Set At ₦3,000

Operatives of the Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency, alongside the Nigeria Police Force, have arrested several teenagers for allegedly taking part in an illegal underage marriage ceremony in Bauchi metropolis.

Reports say the bride price for the young couple was fixed at just ₦3,000.

The teenage bride and groom, wedding guests, the officiating imam, and a young girl accused of posing as the bride’s mother were all paraded before the Bauchi State Action Committee on S+x¥al and Gender-Based V+olence, led by the wife of the governor, Aisha Bala Mohammed.

Reacting to the incident, the First Lady blamed the situation on declining morals and poor parental guidance, urging parents to properly raise their children according to religious teachings.

Bauchi State Hisbah Commander, Mohammed Bununu, described the marriage as illegal and warned that such acts would not be tolerated in the state.

The State Police Command also promised a full investigation and prosecution of anyone found guilty.

The Committee on Gender-Based Violence said it remains committed to protecting children from abuse and harmful practices that could affect their future.