The Bauchi State Government has refuted reports alleging that it introduced a policy fixing the dowry for divorced women at ₦1,500, describing the claim as false and misleading.
The clarification was made on Sunday by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Muhammad Binni, during a media briefing in Bauchi.
Binni said the allegation originated from a viral video circulating on Facebook and TikTok, which wrongly claimed that Governor Bala Mohammed approved the policy and that the traditional ruler of Zar (Gum Zar) had directed residents to implement it.
Describing the report as fabricated, the commissioner insisted that the state government had never introduced such a policy.
“The Bauchi State Government has never issued any directive or policy concerning the dowry of divorced or single women. The information circulating on social media is fake and intended to mislead the public.”
He appealed to residents not to believe or circulate the video, warning that spreading false information could create unnecessary anxiety and disrupt public peace.
“We call on members of the public to disregard the viral video and refrain from sharing unverified information that is capable of causing unnecessary tension and confusion,” he said.
Binni further stated that the Bala Mohammed administration remains committed to protecting the religious and cultural traditions of the people of Bauchi State.
“Governor Bala Mohammed has always respected the religious beliefs, cultural values and traditions of the people of Bauchi State. The government has not and will not impose policies that contradict these cherished values.”
He also advised members of the public to confirm the authenticity of information before sharing it on social media.
“We urge everyone to verify information before sharing it and to avoid spreading falsehoods capable of undermining the peace, unity and reputation of Bauchi State and its rich religious and cultural heritage.”
The government’s response followed online claims alleging that divorced women would pay a ₦1,500 dowry, while women with children born outside marriage would pay ₦3,000. The same post also claimed that women who had remained unmarried for a long period without having children would be married off to drivers free of charge—claims the Bauchi State Government has categorically denied.
