Bauchi Shariah Law: Not About Cutting Limbs – Barr Aminu ISA

Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

Contrary to the understanding of many that Shariah laws are all about amputation of human limbs as punitive measures,Bauchi Shariah Commission is changing the narrative.

The Commission,believes that religion is a holy gift for man and not man for religion. This the Commission is set to rescue souls,redirect people to live a better and Godly life,and not cutting human limbs.

Barr.Aminu Isa,Commander of the Commission’s Hisbah( Shariah Police) has revealed that “the Commission is not interested in cutting human limbs,as punitive measures”.

The Commission cannot punish even non-non-Muslims without properly educating them and members of the public what Islam teachers,on how to live a Godly life first.

He observed with concern that”there is hardship all over the state and many people have taken to committing different immoral and criminal acts to survive,but we have a duty to enforce Shariah laws.

But we must do this with human face,we must preach to the people what Shariah prohibits,especially to our Christian brothers and sisters,and other religions. It is only when they understand what Shariah is about and refuse to comply that we will prosecute them according to Shariah laws.

Worried by negative happenings in the country and Bauchi state ,particularly,the involvement of women in prostitution and other crimes,the commission,has designed specials programs aimed to assist them change from prostitution to trades accepted and respected by both the Holy Quaran, and the Holy Bible.

This,according to the Hisbah boss,” we are partnering with NationDirectorate of Employment (NDE) and some Non-Governmental Organizations to train them in various skills acquisition for self reliance”.

And may further support them with take-off grant or tools,if we are rich enough to do so.

The commission has so far registered over 600”social women” called prostitutes or commercial sex workers in Bauchi metropolis, the exercise which is on going,is aimed to cover the entire state.

According to the Hisbah boss,”we are starting with women, because they are the more vulnerable to most unfortunate conditions that occur in our societies nationwide”.

Based on the commission’s findings,some of the commercial sex workers are from Yobe ,Borno, Adamawa,Benue, Jigawa,Taraba, Kano,and other states from southern parts of Nigeria.And others are from Chad,and Cameroon Republics.

Findings further reveal that,”some are victims of insurgency,while others have been forced into prostitution by circumstances,but most are willing to acquire skills,for self-reliance and better life in the hereinafter

Some of the skills intended for the ladies are tailoring,hairdressing,soap and pomade making,computer,catering,knitting among others that can empower them,ease their daily needs and their families.

The Islamic body is also collaborating with other agencies to provide medical assists to the free women and encouraging them to live a normal life.

It would be recalled that, in 2001,at the revival of stringent Shariah laws in the state,prostitution,sales of alcoholic drinks,sand other intoxicants,sales and consumption of illicit drugs other acts frowned by Islam were banned.

The state government under,then Gov.Ahmadu Muazu, then,dolled out millions of Naira to beer dealers and brothel owners”for change of trade”,in compliance with Shariah demands.

However,the beer and other alcoholic drinks deals,and brother owners did not utilize the money for what it was meant.

This perhaps explains the increase in the number of free women,alcohol consumption,and other vices in the state,leading to Shariah Commission’s moves.