The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested a man and his girlfriend for conducting their marriage ceremony at a restaurant in Kano without parental consent.

Deputy Commander General of Operations, Dr Mujahideen Abubakar, confirmed the arrest on Thursday, stating that Hisbah personnel raided Banana Restaurant on Zoo Road, Kano, on Wednesday night following a tip-off.

“It’s very unfortunate to tell you that the solemnization of the purported marriage was conducted in the restaurant by friends of the man without the consent of the parents of the couple,” Abubakar said.

He described the act as a violation of Islamic law and warned that the board would not tolerate individuals disregarding the state’s Shari’a regulations.

Abubakar further revealed that a manhunt had been launched for guests who participated in the ceremony, adding that many fled the venue when Hisbah personnel arrived.

“We arrested the couple. We are trailing friends of the groom who fled the restaurant after our personnel stormed the place,” he added.

The deputy commander stated that the couple had violated all the necessary conditions for a valid Islamic marriage, making the union unlawful under Shari’a.

Under Kano State’s Islamic legal system, marriage requires the consent of the bride’s guardian, the presence of witnesses, and a valid dowry. Hisbah officials argue that failure to meet these requirements renders the marriage null and void.

The Hisbah Board, which serves as the state’s religious enforcement agency, has previously taken action against individuals and businesses accused of violating Shari’a law.

Past crackdowns have included bans on alcohol, restrictions on social gatherings, and arrests over alleged immoral behaviour.