Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the transmission of a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to outlaw same-s3x marriage and other practices deemed immoral in the state.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Friday, September 12, 2025, Yusuf gave the approval while presiding over the 31st Executive Council meeting held at the Government House Annex in Kwankwasiyya City.
Governor Yusuf said his administration would not compromise on the values and teachings of Islam, stressing that Kano must continue to uphold its cultural and religious heritage.
He explained that the bill specifically prohibits same-sex marriage as well as practices locally referred to as Madugo and Liwadi, which the government considers forbidden.
“Under no circumstance will we allow acts that contradict our religion and traditions to take root in Kano. This government is duty-bound to protect the moral integrity of our society,” the governor declared.
Once passed into law by the State Assembly, offenders found guilty of engaging in or promoting same-s3x marriage and related practices will face strict legal consequences.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that lawmakers would treat the bill with urgency, given its importance to the moral and social wellbeing of the state.
On January 7, 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan, signed the Same-S3x Marriage (Prohibition) Act, which criminalises same-s3x unions and related activities nationwide, prescribing penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
