Kano Hisbah warns officials against extorting couples in N1.5bn mass wedding programme

The Kano State Hisbah Board has warned its officials and other government personnel against collecting money from prospective couples participating in the state’s planned mass wedding programme, stressing that anyone found extorting beneficiaries will face legal consequences.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Commander General of the board, Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen, and made available to journalists.

Aminudeen said the board had received reports that some individuals were falsely demanding payments from intending couples to access services under the programme.

“It has come to our attention that some individuals are falsely claiming that payments must be made to access these services. Do not allow anyone to deceive you by asking you to pay money for any of these services. Such claims are fraudulent,” he said.

He emphasised that no Hisbah official or any state government official had been authorised to collect money from beneficiaries, noting that the Kano State Government is fully funding the programme.

“The entire programme is being sponsored by the state government free. All the services and items provided under this programme are free. No one is required to pay even a single kobo,” the statement added.

The board urged prospective couples to report any official demanding payment to the Hisbah office or the nearest appropriate government authority for investigation and prosecution.

According to the statement, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf initiated the programme as a public service, and no official, whether from the state government, local government or the Hisbah Board, is permitted to collect money from beneficiaries.

The board listed the free services under the programme to include application forms, household items, clothing, premarital medical examinations, transportation, delivery of household items and other marriage materials.

It also disclosed that the governor would serve as the guardian (wali), sponsor and official representative during the solemnisation of the marriages.

The Kano State Government has earmarked ₦1.5 billion for the mass wedding programme, which is expected to benefit 3,000 prospective couples.

As part of preparations, the Hisbah Board, in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Health, has already conducted mandatory medical screening for intending couples.

The tests covered hepatitis, HIV, pregnancy, genotype and other sexually transmitted diseases to determine the health status of participants before the marriages are conducted.