- Muhammadu Sanusi II warns traditional titleholders that beating their wives will result in the loss of their titles
- The Emir advocates for the removal of Section 55 of Nigeria's Penal Code, which allows husbands to "correct" wives with physical punishment
- Sanusi condemns domestic violence, citing disturbing cases and calling for a nationwide crackdown on abusive practices
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, December 9, 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 lawful manner, 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 criminalise 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 added.
Kano Emirate Tussle: Prominent Northern monarch backs Sanusi in show of unity
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that amid the ongoing emirate tussle in Kano, the Emir of Potiskum, Umar Bauya, had expressed his staunch support for the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Bauya paid a solidarity visit to Sanusi following his reinstatement by Governor Abba Yusuf, which would mark the first time a northern emir visited the former CBN governor since the tussle began.
