The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi II, described the abduction of 14 year old Miss Ese Oruru from Bayelsa State by one of his subjects as an embarrassment.
Sanusi said this after a meeting with members of his council over the issue on Monday.
The royal father further explained that when the matter was first brought to his attention in September 2015, he ordered for her repatriation after it was established that she was under aged.He explained that he received two calls from people in far away South Africa on Monday morning over the matter.
He, however, expressed surprise that the matter still lingered months after he gave instructions.
Sunusi said, “I ordered her repatriation since September 2015 through the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 1.
“But to my surprise, the issue is still in between the Sharia Commission, Hisbah (religious police) and the Police.
“The matter is worrisome, to the extent that two people phoned me in the morning today from South Africa over the matter. I told them clearly that I had directed for her repatriation since the last six month.
“I can also remember that I ordered the District head of Kura, The Sharia Commission and Hisbah to investigate the allegation she (Ese) raised that her mother wanted to kill her.
“The duo confirmed to me that the allegation raised by Ese is true. I requested police intervention just to get her a cover to take her back home.
“I think it is the Police authorities that caused the delay. I have done my best for her and even directed for action. It’s unfortunate that the police delayed this matter which has embarrassed us.
“Ese is under aged and she can’t be married off as an under aged. Every Muslim also knows that marriage can’t be without guidance. She must be taken back to her parents; she can only marry when she reaches the age of 18 years.
The Emir further said, “It is un-Islamic for someone to marry a lady without guidance. This abduction of Ese by my subject to Kano is bad because it will cause disunity among our people.”
Sanusi reiterated his directive to the Shariah Commission to immediately repatriate the girl back to her family, pointed out that “this issue is something that is unbecoming among our people”.
SOURCE: Premiumtimesng
