Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the transmission of a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to criminalise same-sex marriage and other practices considered immoral in the state.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa. Yusuf granted the approval during the 31st Executive Council meeting held at the Government House Annexe, Kwankwasiyya City.

Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous northern states, operates under Islamic law through the Sharia legal framework, which coexists with the Nigerian Constitution. Since the early 2000s, when Sharia was formally introduced in Kano and other northern states, successive administrations have taken strong stances on issues relating to morality, culture, and religion.

Existing national law

Nigeria already has a federal law the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 which criminalises same-sex unions and related activities nationwide, prescribing penalties of up to 14 years in prison. However, northern states like Kano have historically sought to enforce stricter moral regulations aligned with religious teachings.

Scope of the proposed law

According to the government, the new bill will specifically outlaw same-sex marriage and practices locally referred to as Madugo and Liwadi, which are deemed forbidden under Islamic principles. Offenders convicted under the proposed law will face severe legal consequences.

Governor Yusuf stressed that his administration would not compromise on the values and teachings of Islam, insisting that Kano must continue to uphold its cultural and religious heritage.

“Under no circumstance will we allow acts that contradict our religion and traditions to take root in Kano. This government is duty-bound to protect the moral integrity of our society,” he declared.

Legislative outlook

The governor expressed confidence that the House of Assembly would handle the bill with urgency, citing its importance to the moral and social well-being of Kano State.