The Bauchi State Hisbah Command has arrested seven individuals in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, over an alleged wife-swapping arrangement described by authorities as unlawful and contrary to religious teachings.
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The suspects, reportedly linked to a group known as Wuddadu, were accused of secretly exchanging their spouses for sexual relations among themselves in what officials said was a coordinated and concealed practice.
The Katagum Zonal Commander, Malam Ridwan Muhammad Khairan, said the arrests followed credible complaints from residents as well as internal concerns raised within the group.
He stated that preliminary investigations suggested the suspects not only organised the activity but also attempted to justify it using claims of spiritual revelations, a justification he firmly rejected.
“There is no basis for such actions in Islam. Marriage must follow laid-down principles, and what they engaged in is clearly against Sharia and tantamount to adultery,” he said.
Malam Khairan explained that the suspects were apprehended by the enforcement unit known as Operation Ko Ba Kobo following intelligence reports that uncovered the alleged activities.
He warned that the Hisbah Command would continue to clamp down on any behaviour considered to be in violation of religious teachings and community values across the state.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious conduct to the authorities, while reaffirming the importance of adherence to Islamic guidance.
However, the leader of the Wuddadu group, Malam Sagir Bashir, distanced the association from the allegations, stating that only a few individuals were involved and that the conduct did not represent the group’s values.
He claimed the group had previously attempted to stop the behaviour through counselling and internal warnings, but said the individuals continued secretly despite repeated intervention.
According to him, the matter was eventually reported to the Hisbah Command in order to protect the moral integrity of the wider community.
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The case has since drawn attention in Katagum and surrounding areas, with authorities continuing investigations into the extent of the alleged activities.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
