The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned that any traditional titleholder under his domain found guilty of beating their wife will lose their title.
The Emir issued the warning on Monday 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.
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Sanusi also called for an urgent review of Section 55 of Nigeria’s Penal Code, which permits husbands to “correct” their wives in a lawful manner without causing “grievous hurt.” He described the provision as outdated and widely misused, particularly in northern Nigeria.
“In the 24th century, if the northern part of the country still holds Section 55 of the Penal Code that allows husbands to beat their wives, such a section should be removed. Nigeria should emulate family laws of Islamic countries that prohibit such acts,” he said.
The Emir cited findings from a study conducted across nine Shari’a courts in Kano, where 45% of the cases were related to gender-based violence. He described instances where women suffered broken teeth, damaged jaws, and other severe injuries inflicted by their husbands.
Sanusi made his position clear to traditional leaders, stating, “My traditional titleholders also know; if you beat your wife, you lose your title.”
The monarch further condemned wife-beating as “animalistic,” urging the government to criminalize any form of violence against women. “Husbands that beat wives for any reason are being animalistic in nature. And if we get to a point in our society where people are not restrained from beating their wives, the government should make it a crime. It should be prohibited.”
Emir Sanusi also shared his personal stance regarding his family. “When my daughters are getting married, I mostly tell their husbands, if you don’t like them anymore, send them back to me, don’t beat them,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, he added, “At the same time, we must teach our girls to respect their husbands. Marriage is built upon love, mercy, and mutual respect between husband and wife.”
The event also featured contributions from Dr. Taofeek Hussein, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue at Bayero University, Kano, who reiterated the centre’s commitment to educating Islamic scholars on their role in combating gender-based violence.
Similarly, Dr. Hassan Karofi, Director of Partnership and Strategic Communications at the Development Research and Projects Centre, explained that the dialogue formed part of the 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence in northern Nigeria. He noted that the event’s theme, “Islamic Teachings and Community Collaboration for the End of Gender-Based Violence,” aimed to amplify the voice of Islamic leaders in addressing the issue.
