Daughter sues father to stop forced marriage, seeks court intervention
A 20-year-old woman named Fatima appeared before a Shari’a Court in Kaduna on Monday, seeking an end to her father’s attempts to force her into an unwanted marriage with a stranger.
Represented by her counsel, Malam Y.A. Bulama, Fatima explained to the court that she was in love with someone else and did not wish to marry the man her father had chosen for her from their village in Niger State. In fear of her father’s threats to take her to the village and force her into marriage, she sought refuge at her aunt’s house.
The counsel emphasized that Fatima had not filed a lawsuit against her father out of disrespect, but rather to protect her right to choose her own partner.
Aliyu Muhammad, Fatima’s father, defended his actions by stating that the groom had been chosen by his late parents, and he felt obligated to honour their wishes.
He also mentioned that he had successfully married off his other six daughters in the village, and they were leading fulfilling lives. He requested permission to consult with his relatives regarding the matter.
Presiding over the case, Judge Malam Isiyaku Abdulrahman acknowledged that, according to Shari’a law, a father holds the right to select a husband for his daughter.
However, he expressed his disapproval of forced marriages and advised the defendant to exercise patience with his daughter’s desires.
“You are her father, and it is important that you pray for her well-being. If you express anger towards her, she will not find happiness. Allow her to introduce the person she wishes to marry, and if you are satisfied with his religion and character, grant her permission to proceed with the marriage,” the judge advised.
Additionally, he urged Fatima to maintain a respectful demeanour towards her father throughout the process.