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| Police operation at Minna hotel ends in divorce |
Two days earlier, security operatives had raided several hotels in Minna. The hotels were linked to sara-suka gang hideouts and suspected drug networks. The operation followed a directive from Niger State’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, aimed at curbing youth violence and protecting civilians .
During the raid, officers detained dozens of people. Several women were among them. One of these women was unaware that her arrest would end her marriage. The husband came after hearing news of the raid. He spoke briefly with police before declaring the divorce aloud .
“Our team did not know she was married until her name came up in family contacts,” said an anonymous security operative. “The husband did not wait for any inquiry. He spoke the words three times and left. That ended it under Sharia law.” .
The sweep targeted hotels suspected to house sara-suka gang members and drug dealers. The sara-suka gangs are youth thugs known for street attacks and robberies in northern Nigeria. They often clash over turf and drug turf control .
In January and June 2025, Minna saw violent fights between rival sara-suka factions. These clashes left civilians dead and wounded. The gang threat prompted the state government to act. Officials asked police and other agencies to raid hideouts linked to the gangs .
Niger State is one of twelve northern Nigerian states that apply Sharia law to civil and criminal matters. Since May 4, 2000, Sharia courts in these states have handled personal status cases—including marriage and divorce—for Muslims .
Under Sharia law, a husband may divorce his wife by uttering “talaq” three times. This instant divorce is known as triple talaq. Many Muslim countries have banned this practice. Critics argue it violates women’s rights and denies due process .
Triple talaq allows a man to end a marriage immediately. He must pronounce the word “talaq” (divorce in Arabic) three times in one sitting. No court process is needed. The wife’s consent or presence is not required .
In India, the Supreme Court banned triple talaq in 2017, calling it unconstitutional. Many women’s groups backed the ban. They said the practice left women destitute and homeless .
News of the instant divorce spread fast on social media. Some locals praised the man for upholding his rights under Sharia. Others criticized him for acting without seeking his wife’s side of the story.
“I support the man,” said one resident. “A married woman has no business in a shady hotel.”
“People should wait for facts,” said another. “We need justice, not hasty rulings.”
On X (formerly Twitter), the post by NigeriaStories at 2:54 PM on April 21 gained thousands of views .
Experts warn that instant divorce can harm women’s welfare. It often leaves them without support or shelter. Human rights activists call for reforms to protect women’s rights under personal laws.
Dr. Amina Suleiman, a gender rights advocate, said, “Instant divorce denies women time to respond. It also strips them of inheritance rights and alimony.”
Islamic legal scholars note that some schools of thought require a waiting period or mediation before finalizing a divorce. Only a few allow triple talaq in one sitting.
The raid was part of a joint effort by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also backs such operations when internet fraud is suspected. A recent EFCC raid at White Hill Hotel led to 11 arrests of suspected fraudsters .
Police say they will continue such raids to protect citizens. They assure that innocent guests will be released swiftly after vetting.
Niger State has grappled with youth restiveness and insecurity. Beyond sara-suka gangs, the state faces herder–farmer clashes and bandit attacks in rural areas. The government’s security drive aims to restore order across all communities .