The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has announced a ban on a number of practices associated with weddings and other social gatherings, saying they are contrary to Islamic teachings and societal morals.

The ban, which takes immediate effect, covers the practice popularly known as “Na Gani In So”, a marriage introduction custom in which a suitor presents assorted gift items such as cartons of soft drinks, bottled water, biscuits, sweets and kola nuts to the prospective bride’s family as well as DJ and Wazigidi music at ceremonies.

The board also prohibited the mounting of loudspeakers and excessive sound systems on tricycles (Keke Napep), women sitting beside tricycle riders, mixed-gender gatherings for entertainment, what it described as indecent hairstyles for children and youths, excessive spending on bridal gifts (lefe), and other practices it considers contrary to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Addressing journalists at the board’s headquarters in Sokoto on Monday, the Commander of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board, Malam Usman Abdullahi Jatau, said the measures were introduced to promote morality and preserve the state’s religious and cultural values.

“We declare that these innovations (bid’ah), which are contrary to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), have negative consequences for any marriage conducted in such a manner because it departs from the teachings of the Prophet,” he said.

Jatau called on parents, intending couples and members of both families to fear Allah and avoid practices prohibited by the board.

“We call on the families of both the bride and groom, as well as parents, to fear Allah and desist from these practices,” he said.

He warned that the board would strictly enforce the directives.

“The board will carry out its responsibilities whenever these prohibited practices are taking place, especially when we are called upon to intervene,” he said.

The Hisbah commander also urged community leaders across the state to play a greater role in promoting moral values.

“We want community leaders in every ward and locality to discharge the responsibility entrusted to them by ensuring proper moral upbringing of the people under their leadership,” he said.

Describing the announcement as a final warning, Jatau urged event organisers, DJs and others involved in the banned practices to stop immediately.

“This is our final warning to everyone, especially those engaged in these activities and those who patronise them. They should fear Allah and stop before sanctions are taken against them,” he said.

He further appealed to parents and intending couples to simplify marriage arrangements, particularly bridal gifts.

“We call on parents and intending couples to simplify bridal gifts, avoid unnecessary showmanship and conduct marriages according to the Sunnah so that husbands, wives and their families can be spared debt, hardship, theft and other unlawful acts committed in the course of organising weddings,” Jatau added.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Tuesday set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court that ordered deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties.

The appellate court specifically declared the judgement that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the parties “null and void”.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, had ordered the electoral body to deregister the party over its performance after the 2023 general elections.

However, the political parties, including ADC, the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) sought nullification of the Federal High Court judgment.

But the appellate court, while describing the judgement “a nullity” held that “what the learned trial court did amount to judicial impertinence or what the Supreme Court called judicial insubordination.”

The three-man panel of the appellate court presided over by Justice Abba Mohammed, in a unanimous decision, held that the trial court had no judicial power to hear the case initially.

The appellate noted that the trial court was wrong to have proceeded with the delivery of the judgment despite the order of the court of appeal directing a stay of proceedings which includes the delivery of the judgement.

It also noted that the 1st Respondent had no locus standi to institute the action in the first place, thereby setting aside the judgement of the trial court.

“The evidence before the court clearly shows a compliance with Section 225A of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended). That the judgment of the trial judge was perverse,” the appeal court said.

Dutch giants Ajax are on the verge of signing Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare from Wolverhampton Wanderers after the two clubs reportedly reached an agreement over a season-long loan move.

The Amsterdam club has identified the Super Eagles forward as its top attacking target and is now putting the finishing touches on the transfer.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ajax have agreed to a loan deal that includes a €22 million option to buy, although the clause is not compulsory.

The Eredivisie club will reportedly pay a loan fee and cover the striker’s full salary during his stay in the Netherlands.
Only the final contractual details remain before the transfer is officially completed.
The move comes after a challenging period for Arokodare at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 25-year-old found himself at the centre of controversy after reports claimed a confrontation occurred during training when the club’s new manager informed him that he was no longer part of the first-team plans.