Nobody forced me into Islam or marriage - Says girl claimed to have been married off by Emir of Katsina

Habiba Tanko

17-year-old girl Habiba Tanko who was said to have been forcefully converted into Islam and marry off by the Emir of Katsina HRH Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has denied any such action.

Habiba's father Mr. Isyaku Tanko at a press conference in Abuja on wednesday claimed that his daughter was married off to her abductor, Jamilu Lawal by the Katsina Emirate.

According to a report in the Daily Trust, Habiba said while speaking before a joint committee session with officials of the Katsina Emirate, Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) Katsina chapter and security personnel yesterday October 13th, 2016.

“I chose on my own to become a Muslim and relocated to the emir’s palace for fear of what I might go through and the threat coming from my parents.” 

Kauran Katsina, Alhaji Nuhu Abdulkadir, denied the claims of forcefully marrying Habiba to Jamilu. He said, the palace was disturbed by several unwelcome remarks from CAN and the parents of the girl.

Habiba's father is said to have written and apologized to the Emirate for his false claim.

In his remarks, the state chairman of CAN, Very Reverend Nelson Onyekachuku, said the situation was confusing and it would need commitment from all towards resolving the issue.