The Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, has strongly condemned the increasing cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kano State, urging authorities to implement stricter penalties for offenders. The revered traditional ruler, known for his vocal stance on social justice and Islamic ethics, made the call while addressing stakeholders on the urgent need to protect women and girls from abuse and exploitation.
According to the Emir, the growing incidence of domestic violence, including spousal battery and rape, is both alarming and unacceptable, particularly in a society where Islamic values and moral discipline are expected to guide behavior. He noted that such acts not only contradict the teachings of Islam but also erode the fabric of society, adding that “no true Muslim raises his hand against his wife.”
The monarch expressed concern that cases of men physically assaulting their spouses and violating women are becoming disturbingly frequent in Kano and across northern Nigeria. Citing Islamic jurisprudence, he reminded the public that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) neither hit his wives nor encouraged such conduct, emphasizing that violence against women has no place in Islam or any just society.
In recent months, data from local rights organizations and health institutions in Kano indicate a noticeable surge in reports of gender-based violence, including sexual assaults, especially against minors. Activists have linked the rise to cultural silence, weak legal enforcement, and a lack of education about women’s rights.
Emir Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and an advocate for progressive Islamic thought, reiterated the importance of legal reform and social reorientation to tackle the menace. He called on the state government, law enforcement agencies, religious leaders, and civil society to join forces in ensuring perpetrators are brought to book and victims receive justice.
“This culture of silence and impunity must end. We cannot claim to be a righteous society when we turn a blind eye to the suffering of our women and children. The law must bite, and it must bite hard,” he stressed.
The Emir’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by the Kano State Government and non-governmental organizations to strengthen the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, which was domesticated in the state in 2021. Despite this legislative progress, implementation remains a challenge due to limited awareness, cultural resistance, and institutional bottlenecks.
Stakeholders in the state are now being urged to intensify campaigns on GBV awareness, support survivors, and ensure a robust legal response that not only punishes offenders but also deters future violations. With influential voices like Emir Sanusi’s leading the advocacy, there is renewed hope that societal attitudes may begin to shift, and justice for victims will no longer be elusive.