The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has issued a stern warning to traditional titleholders in his domain, threatening to strip them of their titles if they are found guilty of beating their wives.
The Emir made the statement on Monday during 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 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, as long as it does not cause “grievous hurt.”
The provision, often misinterpreted and abused, has faced widespread criticism for enabling domestic violence, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Referencing a study conducted across nine Shari’a courts in Kano, Sanusi revealed that 45% of cases in those courts were related to gender-based violence. He cited disturbing instances of women suffering broken teeth, damaged jaws, and severe physical abuse at the hands of their husbands.
“The violence against women is unacceptable, and Islamic jurisprudence unequivocally prohibits such acts,” Sanusi emphasised, calling for the government to criminalize any form of abuse within marriage.
He described husbands who beat their wives as “animalistic in nature” and argued that if society fails to curb such actions, it should become a criminal offense.
Sanusi also advocated for the removal of Section 55 from the Penal Code, arguing that in the 21st century, it is unconscionable for any part of the country to still uphold a law that permits the beating of wives.
He suggested that Nigeria should look to the family laws of Islamic countries, which strictly prohibit such behavior.
In a personal reflection, Sanusi shared his approach to marriage, stating that 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 made it clear to traditional titleholders under his jurisdiction that any man who beats his wife will lose his title, underscoring the importance of respect within marriage.
The Emir also reiterated the need for mutual respect between spouses. “Marriage should be built upon love, mercy, and mutual respect between husband and wife,” he said.
Dr. Taofeek Hussein, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue at Bayero University, Kano, spoke about the centre’s commitment to educating the public and promoting understanding of the role of Islamic scholars in combating gender-based violence.
Dr. Hassan Karofi, Director of Partnership and Strategic Communications at the Development Research and Projects Centre, explained that the event was part of the 16 days of activism aimed at ending gender-based violence in northern Nigeria.
The theme of the event, “Islamic Teachings and Community Collaboration for the End of Gender-Based Violence,” focused on amplifying the voices of Islamic leaders in the region to combat GBV.
Emir Sanusi’s comments have sparked discussions on the intersection of cultural, legal, and religious perspectives on gender-based violence, and his call for legislative reform and community involvement marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address this pervasive issue in northern Nigeria.