The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the ruling of a Kano Magistrate Court ordering two popular TikTok content creators, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, to formalise their relationship through marriage following the circulation of alleged indecent videos.

The controversial order, issued on Monday by Magistrate Halima Wali, followed complaints by the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board, which accused the duo of posting romantic displays deemed immoral. The court also directed the board’s chairman to supervise the enforcement of the marriage.

Reacting on Tuesday, NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), described the decision as a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution and an abuse of judicial power. He said no court has the authority to compel any individual to marry another, stressing that marriage must remain a voluntary union between consenting adults.

“Such an order is unconstitutional and unlawful. It infringes on the rights to personal liberty, dignity of the human person, and privacy as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution,” Osigwe stated.

He warned that judicial overreach of this kind undermines public confidence in the judiciary and urged an immediate review of the ruling. The NBA also directed its Citizens’ Liberties Committee and Women’s Forum to monitor the case and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.

“No person should ever be coerced, directly or indirectly, into marriage by any institution of state, including the courts,” the statement added.