Family apologises to Zamfara Emir, withdraws forced marriage accusation

Maryam, has apologised to the Emir of Mafara in Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Mohammed Barmo, after earlier accusing him of forcing her into marriage.

The controversy started a few months ago when Maryam and her mother, Hafsat Shehu, alleged that 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 to retract the claims.

He said the allegations were false and regrettable, describing them as “the work of Satan.

“We are here to vindicate the Emir and seek his forgiveness for the damage our daughter and her mother caused to his reputation,” Malam Musa said.

He added that the family deeply regretted the misunderstanding, calling it “unfortunate, baseless, and uncalled for.”

In his response, the Emir, Dr. Bello Mohammed Barmo, accepted the family’s apology and forgave them, quoting Islamic teachings about mercy and forgiveness.

He made it clear that his Emirate had never interfered in anyone’s private marital affairs.

“The allegations were an attempt to tarnish my reputation,” the Emir said.

He urged parents to respect their daughters’ choices in marriage to avoid future disputes and promote harmony in the community.

“Marriage is a lifelong commitment that requires careful consideration and mutual consent,” the Monarch emphasised.

Dr. Barmo also advised journalists in Zamfara to uphold professional ethics by verifying stories before publication or broadcast to ensure fairness and justice.

“I am calling on journalists to always follow the guiding ethics of their profession and give fair hearing in their reportage before going on air or print,” he said.