A family has apologized to the Emir of Mafara in Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Mohammed Barmo, and withdrawn their earlier accusation that he forced a young woman, Maryam, into marriage. The controversy began months ago when Maryam and her mother, Hafsat Shehu, claimed the Emir used his influence to arrange Maryam’s marriage to a businessman, Alhaji Mi’awiyya, without her consent.
During a visit to the Emir’s palace, Maryam’s uncle, Malam Umar Musa, led the family in retracting the allegations. He stated that the accusations were false and regrettable, calling them “the work of Satan.” The family sought the Emir’s forgiveness for the damage caused to his reputation, describing the incident as “unfortunate, baseless, and uncalled for.”
In response, the Emir accepted the apology and forgave the family, citing Islamic teachings on mercy and forgiveness. He clarified that his Emirate does not interfere in private marital matters and described the allegations as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
He urged parents to respect their daughters’ choices in marriage to prevent future disputes and promote community harmony, emphasizing that marriage requires mutual consent and careful consideration. Additionally, he advised journalists in Zamfara to uphold professional ethics by verifying stories before publication to ensure fairness and justice.