Amina Sulaiman Escapes Forced Marriage to Bandit Leader

Amina Sulaiman, an 18-year-old girl from Dan Marke in Katsina state, escaped an alleged forced marriage to a notorious bandit leader named Babaye. The situation escalated when Babaye threatened to attack and burn down her community if her family rejected his marriage proposal.

Despite Amina's repeated refusals, her family felt pressured to accept the proposal, collect the bride price, and set a wedding date. Days before the wedding, Amina fled to Danmusa town, where she was rescued by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

Abba Sarki, the Funtua Zonal Commander of the CJTF, confirmed the threats made by Babaye and stated that Amina's family had acted out of fear. Amina also reported that Babaye had physically assaulted her after she rejected his advances.

She expressed her unwillingness to marry a known criminal and preferred to stay away from her community rather than be forced into an unwanted marriage.