The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has taken a bold stance against domestic violence, threatening to strip any traditional title holder under his domain of their title if they are found guilty of beating their wives.
This declaration was made at the opening of the 2024 National Dialogue on the Role of Islamic Opinion Leaders in the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Northern Nigeria, held at Bayero University Kano.
Sanusi emphasized that Islamic jurisprudence prohibits violence against women and called for government action to criminalize any maltreatment of women in marriage.
He cited a study conducted across nine Shari’a courts in Kano, revealing that 45% of cases in those courts were related to gender-based violence. The Emir referenced instances of women suffering broken teeth, damaged jaws, and severe physical abuse from their husbands.
“Husbands that beat wives for any reason are being animalistic in nature. And if we get to a point in our society where people are not restrained from beating their wives, the government should make it a crime. It should be prohibited.”
He also argued for the removal of Section 55 from the Penal Code, saying, “In the 24th century, if the North part of the country still held Section 55 of the Penal Code that allows husbands to beat their wives, such a section should be removed. Nigeria should emulate family laws of Islamic countries that prohibit such acts,” he stated.
The monarch also called for the urgent review of Section 55 of Nigeria’s Penal Code, which permits husbands to “correct” their wives in a manner deemed lawful and not causing “grievous hurt.” Sanusi argued that this section enables abuse, particularly in northern Nigeria, where it is often misinterpreted and abused.
Sanusi’s personal approach to addressing domestic violence is noteworthy. When his daughters get married, he tells their husbands, “If you don’t like them anymore, send them back to me, don’t beat them.” He has also made it clear to traditional titleholders that they will lose their titles if they beat their wives.
The Emir emphasized that marriage should be built on mutual respect, saying, “At the same time, we must teach our girls to respect their husbands. Marriage is built upon love, mercy, and mutual respect between husband and wife.” His commitment to promoting mutual respect in marriage is a step in the right direction.
The event was part of the 16 days of activism to end gender-based violence in northern Nigeria. The theme of the event, “Islamic Teachings and Community Collaboration for the End of Gender-Based Violence,” aimed to amplify the voice of Islamic leaders against GBV in the region.
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Jerome Kalu
Jerome Kalu is currently the Senior Correspondent of PIJAlance in Lagos. He was previously the Campus Information Desk (CID) Editor.
