Reps investigate alleged forced marriage of 14-year-old girl

Habiba Isa. Photo: Olaide Oyelude

John Ameh, Abuja

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the reported abduction and forceful marriage of a 14-year-old girl, Habiba Isa.

The marriage, which received the support of the Katsina State Emirate Council, has come under criticism in the past week.

She was said to have been first abducted and converted from Christianity to Islam before the forced marriage took place.

The teenager was married to an aide in the Emir’s palace.

After adopting a motion by Mr. Nnana Igbokwe on Tuesday, the House directed its Committee on Women Affairs to investigate the allegation.

Igbokwe informed the House that the marriage was without the consent of the parents of the girl.

He added that when the parents tried to secure her freedom, they were threatened and harassed repeatedly in Katsina State. 

Igbokwe argued that under the Child’s Rights Act, it was an offence to take a child from the custody of the parents without the consent of the latter.

He stated, “Section 21 of the Child’s Rights Act stipulates that no person shall remove or take a child out of the custody or protection of his father or mother or guardian against the will of the father, mother or guardian.”

Igbokwe also reminded his colleagues that under the Act, “any marriage so contracted is null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”

Lawmakers passed the resolution in a unanimous voice vote.