Sokoto Hisbah Bans Marriage Introduction Gifts and DJs at Weddings

The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has introduced a fresh set of restrictions on wedding ceremonies and social gatherings, banning several popular practices it says are inconsistent with Islamic teachings and the moral values upheld in the state.

The new directive, announced on Monday by the Commander of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board, Malam Usman Abdullahi Jatau, takes immediate effect and targets customs commonly associated with marriage celebrations and public entertainment.

Among the prohibited practices is the marriage introduction ceremony known locally as “Na Gani In So”, in which a prospective groom presents assorted gifts—including cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts—to the family of his intended bride.

The board also outlawed the use of DJs and Wazigidi music at weddings and other ceremonies, describing such activities as practices that conflict with Islamic principles.

Other restrictions include the installation of loudspeakers and high-powered sound systems on commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, women sitting beside tricycle riders, mixed-gender entertainment gatherings, hairstyles considered indecent for children and young people, and what the board described as excessive spending on bridal gifts, popularly known as lefe.

Addressing journalists in Sokoto, Jatau said the measures were introduced to promote morality, safeguard religious values and encourage marriage ceremonies that conform with the teachings of Islam.

According to him, some of the practices have gradually become entrenched in society despite having no basis in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“We declare that these innovations (bid’ah), which are contrary to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), have negative consequences for any marriage conducted in such a manner because it departs from the teachings of the Prophet,” he said.

Jatau urged intending couples, parents and members of both families to avoid the prohibited practices and conduct marriage ceremonies in accordance with Islamic teachings.

He also warned that the Hisbah Board would not hesitate to enforce the new directive whenever violations were reported.

“We call on the families of both the bride and groom, as well as parents, to fear Allah and desist from these practices. The board will carry out its responsibilities whenever these prohibited practices are taking place, especially when we are called upon to intervene,” he said.

The announcement marks the latest effort by the Sokoto State Hisbah Board to regulate public conduct and ensure that social activities, particularly marriage ceremonies, align with its interpretation of Islamic values and established cultural norms.