Father asks Sharia court to force daughter, 27, to marry

A father of 11 has approached a Sharia court in Kaduna, Nigeria, seeking an order to compel his 27-year-old daughter to marry.

The complainant, Lawal Hamisu, through his counsel, stated that his daughter, Fatima Lawal, has completed her Higher National Diploma (HND). He alleged that while she entertains various admirers, she has failed to present a serious suitor for marriage. The father also expressed concern that his daughter's mother has influenced her against him.

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She should get a suitor, present him in court, and the court should marry her off since her mother has poisoned their minds against me.

Fatima Lawal, the defendant, however, told the court that she has no serious suitor and that none of her admirers have proposed marriage.

Presiding judge Malam Yakubu Abdullahi acknowledged the sensitive nature of the case, involving a parent and child. He indicated that he would speak with each party individually to understand their perspectives before offering advice. The court has adjourned the case to August 3 for a ruling.

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I have no serious suitor, and none of my admirers proposed marriage.