In Bauchi State, Nigeria, Hisbah, the state’s Islamic law enforcement board, recently arrested Alhaji Bala Mohammed, an elderly man, over a viral post featuring photos of numerous women he claimed to have dated. The photos, which reportedly show Mohammed with over 50 women in various intimate or compromising settings, sparked outrage after they surfaced online, leading to complaints from some of the women involved—many of whom are now married.
The controversy arose when several women in the photos filed complaints with Hisbah, alleging that the post violated their privacy and created distress in their current marriages. Mohammed, who hails from Dass Local Government Area, defended his actions, saying the photos were from 20 years ago and reflected a period when he was “living a secular lifestyle.” He argued that since Nigeria is a secular nation, he should have the freedom to enjoy life without interference.
In a statement at the Hisbah office, Mohammed expressed some regret, apologizing to anyone who may have been offended, but maintained that he intended no harm. He also refuted claims that any of the women he dated were married at the time, challenging anyone to prove otherwise. According to him, the recent sharing of the photos was unintentional, attributing the resurfacing to Facebook friends who rediscovered and shared them.
The case has highlighted tensions between personal freedoms and conservative social norms in Northern Nigeria, where Hisbah enforces Islamic principles that often conflict with Nigeria’s secular laws.
