The Sharada community in Kano State has banned boyfriend-girlfriend meetings beyond 10 p.m. as part of 29 new bylaws aimed at addressing rising crime and immoral activities in the area.
Announcing the decision, the village head, Alhaji Iliyasu Muazu Sharada, said the rules were agreed upon after consultations with ward heads and community elders.
Among the regulations are a ban on lovers meeting in tinted vehicles and a restriction on horse riding during wedding celebrations.
Additionally, lawyers and house agents must seek the village head’s approval before renting out properties.
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Community elders say the laws are necessary to enhance security, noting that criminals often use nighttime meetings and tinted cars as a cover for robbery and sexual harassment.
“We have arrested men pretending to be with girlfriends, only to discover they were engaged in immoral or criminal acts,” said Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, a resident.
He added that the measures would help distinguish genuine couples from those with ulterior motives.
Sharada, a mixed residential and industrial area, has witnessed increasing security challenges. Elders argue that the regulations will restore moral values and reduce youth vulnerability to bad influences.
“We cannot allow activities that lead to immorality or crime. This is a good step to protect our youth,” the village head stressed.
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However, not everyone supports the move. Aisha Yusuf, a university student, criticized the laws as unfair, arguing that they restrict freedom instead of addressing the root causes of crime, such as unemployment.
The Kano Municipal Local Government Chairman, Salim Hashim, endorsed the laws and pledged full enforcement support, describing them as vital for community safety.