To Tie The Knot Or Get Imprisoned?

Kano: Around 1,111 couples tied the knot in Kano, the northern state of Nigeria. Significant thing about the ‘combined’ held marriage ceremony is the provision of the dowry for the wedded females by the government. The bridegrooms do not reserve the right to divorce their wives without taking the case to the court. Moreover, divorcing would hold the bridegroom liable to penalty of 313 $ or 50,000 Nigerian Naira.
Objectives of such a step are said to combat the growing trends of unlawful marriages and to tackle the business of ‘call girls’. This step is also aimed to help the widow women.

Bridegrooms who have entered into matrimonial relationship through combined marriage system are liable to payment of fine worth Rs 50 Nigerian naira which is equivalent to 313 $. However, without the resentment of the court, the bridegroom does not deserve the right to end the marital relationship.

According to the officials, such a step is taken to make the divorce system bit strict. Stating three words had made divorcing an easy practice. The government officials have also granted freedom to individuals to choose their life partners.

The sex workers, prostitutes have been given two options by the officials. They can either to enter into matrimonial relationship of the ‘combined marriage system’ or captivate themselves in the lock ups.

In the past around 2 years, around 461 couples have been wedded through the combined marriage system.