The Emir of kano ,denied harbouring Ese Oruru in his palace

The Emir of Kano, Mohammadu Sunusi II, yesterday
denied the allegation that he was harbouring Ese Oruru in
his palace.

At a news conference at his palace, the Emir said he
learnt of the fact that the girl was still in Kano when
journalists from the BBC called on him while he was
South Africa.

He said: “Since August last year, the District Head of
Kura came to the palace with a young girl of about 15
years, alongside with somebody from the area whom we
were told was married to him after she was converted to
Islam.

“I ordered for her immediate repatriation to her parents
who were said to be in Bayelsa State. I ordered the Kano
State Shariah Commission to liaise with the Assistant
Inspector General ( AIG) Zone 1 to assist in taking her
back to her parents in Bayelsa, through the AIG who
oversees Bayelsa axis, for her safety.”
Sanusi said he solicited for the intervention of the police
authorities because the girl was said to have made a
statement that she was afraid that her parents could

“In Islam, she has no right to just go ahead and decide
things for herself. She is still young.  She is not matured
enough. And nowhere in Islam where such young girls
can just make up their mind and give their hands in
marriage just like that. It is not permitted in Islam. That
is why we said she must be taken back to her parents, “
Sanusi added.

The monarch said he was surprised when he saw online
stories alleging that he ordered for the girl to remain in
captivity of the palace.

“To my utter surprise since from the time we ordered
that the girl be taken to her parents in Bayelsa through
AIG Zone 1 office, we didn’t hear anything about her.
Just for us to now start hearing all kinds of stories that
we are keeping her in our custody. This is injustice of
the highest order, “ Kano Emir said.

He went on: “I am therefore giving an order that an
investigation should immediately commence with the
AIG office and know what was the position of things
since that time we ordered for her repatriation to her
parents.”

The Emir called on Yunusa to wait till she is 18 and ask
for her hand in marriage.
He added: “We cannot in anyway be more Muslims than
the Prophet of Islam Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him.
We must therefore do things according to the set rules
and regulations governing our religion.“