Bauchi Govt Debunks Viral Dowry Rumour, Warns Against Fake Social Media Claims

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi 

The Bauchi State Government has dismissed as false a viral video circulating on social media, particularly on Facebook and TikTok, claiming that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed fixed the dowry for divorced women at ₦1,500.

The video, allegedly circulated by individuals described as mischief-makers, also claimed that the traditional ruler of Zar (Gum Zar) had directed residents to comply with the supposed government policy.

In another claim, a social media user identified as Boroh James Hussaini alleged that the dowry for a single woman who gave birth outside marriage would be ₦3,000, while unmarried women who had remained at home for a long time without giving birth would be married off to drivers free of charge.

Reacting to the report while addressing journalists in Bauchi yesterday, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Engineer Muhammad Binni Abdulkadir, described the claims as entirely false and without any basis.

He said the Bauchi State Government had never issued such directives or made any statement regarding dowry for divorced or single women.

The commissioner urged members of the public to disregard the viral video and treat its contents as fake and misleading.

According to him, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has consistently respected the religious beliefs, cultural values, and traditions of the people of Bauchi State since assuming office.

Binni Abdulkadir also called on residents to be responsible ambassadors of the state by avoiding the spread of false information capable of creating confusion or damaging the reputation of the state’s diverse cultures and religions.