The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has issued a stern warning against the practice of wife-beating, declaring that any traditional title holder found guilty of such behavior would lose their title. Sanusi made the statement during the opening of the 2024 National Dialogue on the Role of Islamic Opinion Leaders in Preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Northern Nigeria, held at Bayero University Kano.
Sanusi also called for an urgent review of Section 55 of Nigeria’s Penal Code, which permits husbands to “correct” their wives in cases of gross misconduct. He expressed concern over the misuse of this provision, particularly in the northern part of the country.
“Section 55 is outdated and allows husbands to beat their wives under the guise of ‘correction.’ This provision should be removed,” Sanusi said, adding that it was crucial for Nigeria to emulate family laws from Islamic countries that prohibit such acts of violence.
Citing a study conducted across nine Shari’a courts in Kano, Sanusi highlighted that 45% of the cases being handled involved gender-based violence, with many women suffering severe physical harm, including broken teeth and damaged jaws.
“Husbands who beat their wives are being animalistic,” Sanusi emphasized. “Marriage should be based on love, mercy, and mutual respect.” He also shared that he advises the husbands of his daughters not to resort to violence and that his traditional title holders are aware of the consequences of abusing their wives.
Dr. Taofeek Abubakar Hussein, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue at Bayero University Kano, echoed Sanusi’s sentiment, affirming that the center is committed to promoting understanding of Islamic teachings against gender violence.
The event, part of the 16 days of activism to end GBV in Northern Nigeria, also included contributions from Dr. Hassan Karofi, Director of Partnership and Strategic Communications at the Development Research and Projects Centre. The theme of the dialogue was “Islamic Teachings and Community Collaboration for the End of Gender-Based Violence.”
This call for legal reform and action against domestic violence comes amid increasing efforts to strengthen societal and religious leaders’ roles in addressing GBV in the region.
