Hisbah Arrests Seven Men Over Alleged Wife Swapping in Bauchi

Security operatives in Bauchi have arrested seven men for allegedly swapping wives under the guise of temporary marriages, sparking moral concerns.

Hisbah security operatives parading suspects arrested for wife swapping in Azare Bauchi State.

Authorities in Bauchi State have cracked down on a disturbing trend in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of seven men. The suspects were apprehended by the Hisbah Command for their alleged involvement in wife swapping, a practice authorities describe as a violation of religious and moral standards.

The Zonal Commander of Hisbah, Ridwan Khairan, confirmed the operation on Thursday. He revealed that the suspects belong to a group known as "Wuddadu." According to investigations, these men allegedly exchanged their wives among themselves, hiding behind the concept of temporary marriages.

Security agents acted swiftly following complaints from worried residents and tip-offs from insiders. The enforcement unit, known locally as "Operation Ko Ba Kobo," raided the group’s hideout, bringing the illicit activity to a halt.

During questioning, the suspects reportedly tried to justify their actions by claiming that one of them had a dream endorsing the practice. Commander Khairan, however, dismissed this defence as baseless. He emphasized that Islamic law only recognizes marriages that follow due process and proper witnessing, classifying the suspects' actions as adultery.

Interestingly, the leader of the Wuddadu group, Sagir Bashir, distanced the organization from the scandal. Bashir stated that the group had spent over two years counselling members to stop the immoral act. He explained that they eventually reported the matter to Hisbah to protect the community's moral fabric, insisting that anyone found wanting would be expelled.

Investigations also revealed that the suspects' wives participated in the arrangement. They claimed their husbands convinced them the practice was normal. Both the men and their wives have since expressed regret, pleading for leniency and promising to desist from such behaviour.

The Hisbah Command has assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with further legal actions expected to serve as a deterrent.