In a bold and controversial move to combat rising divorce rates, the Bauchi State Hisbah Commission has announced a sweeping ban on DJs, gala nights, and several other social practices commonly associated with weddings in the state. The new directive, backed by the state’s Sharia Penal Code, takes immediate effect.
Marriage ceremonies in Bauchi State are about to change dramatically — and not everyone is applauding.
The Hisbah Commission, citing a worrying spike in failed marriages, says the new 16-point directive is aimed at restoring the “moral and spiritual foundations” of marriage. The banned activities include the use of DJs, loud entertainment, kawayawade, aloba performances, and what officials called “gala events” — large, often lavish parties associated with weddings.
Officials say such practices not only encourage immorality but also strip marriage ceremonies of divine blessings (baraka) from the onset.
“We reviewed several complaints and cases of marital breakdown,” said a Hisbah official in Bauchi. “We noticed a pattern of extravagance and disregard for Islamic values during weddings — this is where the rot starts.”
The bans are grounded in Sections 95, 362, and 373 of the Bauchi State Sharia Penal Code. The commission further warned that enforcement will be strict, especially in event venues, recreational centres, and nightclubs.
But while the crackdown may appear sudden, authorities claim it is part of a broader plan.
Rather than continue hosting mass weddings for divorced women — a practice Bauchi has previously employed to reintegrate divorcees — the state has trained over 500 women, including former commercial sex workers, in various entrepreneurial skills. The goal: empower them economically so they’re less dependent and more self-reliant in future marriages.
Furthermore, religious leaders, especially Imams, are now being tasked with using mosque sermons to educate the public about the spiritual sanctity of marriage and the consequences of disregarding Islamic matrimonial guidelines.
“We don’t want marriages to be a source of entertainment. We want them to be rooted in faith, responsibility, and respect,” the official added.
While many residents support the effort to protect the sanctity of marriage, others question the effectiveness — and fairness — of placing the blame solely on music and celebrations. As enforcement begins, social commentators and civil rights advocates will be watching closely to see whether the new rules bring peace to homes — or create fresh controversies in a culturally diverse society.
Public reactions, enforcement challenges, and possible legal appeals are expected to emerge in the coming days.
