Bauchi State Government debunks viral ₦1,500 dowry policy claim, warns against fake news

The Bauchi State Government has officially refuted a viral social media claim alleging that Governor Bala Mohammed approved a fixed dowry of ₦1,500 for divorced women. The government has labeled the report as false, misleading, and a deliberate effort to misinform the public.

Muhammad Binni, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, addressed journalists on Sunday, stating that the viral video circulating on Facebook and TikTok also falsely implicated a traditional ruler of Zar in directing compliance with this purported policy. Binni unequivocally described the allegation as "entirely false, baseless and fabricated."

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The Bauchi State Government has never issued any directive or policy concerning the dowry of divorced or single women. The information circulating on social media is fake and intended to mislead the public.

"The Bauchi State Government has never issued any directive or policy concerning the dowry of divorced or single women. The information circulating on social media is fake and intended to mislead the public," Binni asserted. He urged residents to disregard the video and refrain from sharing unverified information that could create unnecessary tension and confusion.

Binni further emphasized that Governor Bala Mohammed has consistently respected the religious beliefs, cultural values, and traditions of Bauchi State's residents since taking office. He assured the public that the government would not impose policies that contradict these cherished values. The commissioner appealed to the public to verify information before circulating it, warning against spreading falsehoods that could undermine the peace, unity, and reputation of the state.

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We urge everyone to verify information before sharing it and to avoid spreading falsehoods capable of undermining the peace, unity and reputation of Bauchi State and its rich religious and cultural heritage.