At the main mosque in the wealthy neighborhood known as Federal Lowcost, vehicles filled the area from the beginning of the street to its end. The street leading to the mosque was completely blocked due to the traffic congestion. Anyone watching the scene would immediately realize that someone influential in Gombe was getting married that day. Since it was a weekend, specifically Saturday, the turnout was massive. What was surprising was the presence of the Nigerian Army; soldiers stood firmly in their full camouflage uniform, while on the other side the police officers were also there, seemingly hired, busy directing and arranging parking.
The groom’s convoy was the first to arrive, in luxurious vehicles such as a 2019 Toyota Venza, Toyota 306, Toyota 607, and Mercedes Benz. Behind them was the army vehicle with soldiers holding their rifles and whips, glaring sternly. The atmosphere was intimidating, and people quickly stepped aside, fearing the soldiers who could easily strike them, leaving them bedridden for days.
Before their cars even settled, the convoy of the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sidi Na Iya, arrived. As they parked, the policemen escorting them swiftly opened their vehicles. It was clear the event was extraordinary, meant for the elite, as dignitaries in grand attire, shining Gezner fabrics with Zannah Bukar caps, stepped out majestically and entered the mosque. Journalists rushed to hear from the Commissioner, but his security blocked them until he reached the inner mosque where the groom’s guardians, elders, and the Chief Imam awaited the wedding.
Inside, Jabir looked at the groom lying lazily in the car and said:
“Mallam, won’t you come out? The honorable Commissioner has already arrived. Your marriage to Ni’imatullahi Ahmed Sidi Na Iya is about to be conducted. You must be ready.”
But he did not move or speak for over ten minutes. Haisam adjusted himself and said:
“Captain, let’s leave him. Maybe he doesn’t want to enter the mosque. Let’s go inside to honor our friendship.”
They all stepped out. Tall, strong men, refined and educated, handsome and radiant in brown traditional attire with matching leopard-skin shoes and Zannah Bukar caps. Their presence shone like a full moon. They proceeded into the mosque without waiting for his reply, as the wedding was about to commence. Soldiers blocked journalists from getting close.
Then, with elegance, the groom finally emerged. His wrist adorned with a royal watch, he stretched out his fair leg in brown leopard-skin shoes. As he stepped out fully, his stature stunned everyone — tall, broad-chested, glowing with charisma. His nose sharp, surrounded by a dark beard that magnified his aura. His diamond-like eyes sparkled, his lips small and pink, his curly black hair neatly styled. Though he wore similar attire as his friends, his had an additional grand robe, giving him the appearance of royalty. His muscular build and intimidating aura made it impossible for anyone to stare directly into his eyes.
This was Captain Aliyu Abdulnasser Tambari Buzu, a battle commander of the Nigerian Army’s 1st Division in Kaduna. Feared by enemies on the battlefield, respected by colleagues and superiors alike for his bravery. He leaned on the car briefly before striding into the mosque with his soldiers shielding him. He sat near Haisam and Jabir, with Mallam Lawal Bature and Kawu Bala at his side.
The Wedding Halt and Shocking Revelation
As the ceremony was about to begin, the Commissioner called his brother aside for a brief discussion. Kawu Bala grew nervous, fearing humiliation. Returning, the Commissioner asked:
“Where is the groom’s guardian from his father’s side to proceed with the marriage?”
Kawu Bala quickly stepped forward:
“I am here. There is no need to ask further. I already sought this marriage on Aliyu’s behalf.”
But the Commissioner interrupted:
“I mean the guardian from his father’s family, not you.”
Kawu Bala was speechless. He then stammered:
“We told you his father’s family is not around. That is why we arranged everything.”
The Commissioner smiled bitterly:
“Your name is Bala Shehu Akarami, Commissioner of Information in Kaduna. You are the elder brother to Aliyu’s mother. Since no paternal relatives came, it means this boy has no father, no origin!”
Kawu Bala was shocked:
“Please, Your Excellency! What kind of statement is this? He did not fall from the sky without a father. Let’s leave this matter and proceed with the marriage. We can discuss later.”
But the Commissioner firmly replied:
“No! We cannot give our daughter to a bastard. Unless a paternal relative is present, this wedding is canceled.”
The entire mosque erupted in commotion. Kawu Bala pleaded desperately:
“Please, don’t disgrace us before this crowd. Allow the wedding, and I promise we will resolve this later.”
But the Commissioner refused and left with his entourage. Shocked, Kawu Bala almost cried, fearing the shame.
Meanwhile, Suwaiba (Aliyu’s mother) was at home when Madina handed her the phone, saying:
“Goggo, Daddy is calling.”
Thinking the wedding was complete, she laughed:
“Alhamdulillah, my son is now a husband.”
But her brother’s trembling voice said:
“Suwaiba, they want to marry him to Azeema, Lawal’s daughter.”
Her heart dropped, and through tears she cried:
“My son is not a bastard! He has better manners than their daughter. Proceed with the wedding — it is Allah’s decree.”
The Marriage to Azeema and Aliyu’s Anguish
Quickly they returned to the mosque, and Kawu Bala handed over the dowry to the Imam, asking him to give Azeema in marriage. Without delay, the wedding was conducted between Captain Aliyu Abdulnasser Tambari Buzu and Azeema Lawal Bature. Praise singers rejoiced:
“Allah never misses what He decrees. Though the bride changed from Ni’imatullahi to Azeema, destiny has spoken.”
The crowd buzzed with shock as the journalists spread the news.
But Aliyu sat motionless, head bowed throughout the wedding. When it ended, Jabir touched him:
“Captain, take heart…”
Aliyu raised his face, eyes bloodshot, veins bulging, and roared:
“They said I have no father… that I am a bastard…”
He stormed out furiously, ignoring journalists’ questions and barking at them:
“Get away from my side!”
He entered his vehicle and sped off recklessly. Jabir held his head in despair:
“Inna lillahi! What if Aliyu harms himself in this rage?”
Haisam clasped his hands and sighed:
“May Allah protect him, but truly, I fear Aliyu’s anger…”
Description
The Wedding Gathering and Arrival of Dignitaries
At the main mosque in the wealthy neighborhood known as Federal Lowcost, vehicles filled the area from the beginning of the street to its end. The street leading to the mosque was completely blocked due to the traffic congestion. Anyone watching the scene would immediately realize that someone influential in Gombe was getting married that day. Since it was a weekend, specifically Saturday, the turnout was massive. What was surprising was the presence of the Nigerian Army; soldiers stood firmly in their full camouflage uniform, while on the other side the police officers were also there, seemingly hired, busy directing and arranging parking.
The groom’s convoy was the first to arrive, in luxurious vehicles such as a 2019 Toyota Venza, Toyota 306, Toyota 607, and Mercedes Benz. Behind them was the army vehicle with soldiers holding their rifles and whips, glaring sternly. The atmosphere was intimidating, and people quickly stepped aside, fearing the soldiers who could easily strike them, leaving them bedridden for days.
Before their cars even settled, the convoy of the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sidi Na Iya, arrived. As they parked, the policemen escorting them swiftly opened their vehicles. It was clear the event was extraordinary, meant for the elite, as dignitaries in grand attire, shining Gezner fabrics with Zannah Bukar caps, stepped out majestically and entered the mosque. Journalists rushed to hear from the Commissioner, but his security blocked them until he reached the inner mosque where the groom’s guardians, elders, and the Chief Imam awaited the wedding.
Inside, Jabir looked at the groom lying lazily in the car and said:
“Mallam, won’t you come out? The honorable Commissioner has already arrived. Your marriage to Ni’imatullahi Ahmed Sidi Na Iya is about to be conducted. You must be ready.”
But he did not move or speak for over ten minutes. Haisam adjusted himself and said:
“Captain, let’s leave him. Maybe he doesn’t want to enter the mosque. Let’s go inside to honor our friendship.”
They all stepped out. Tall, strong men, refined and educated, handsome and radiant in brown traditional attire with matching leopard-skin shoes and Zannah Bukar caps. Their presence shone like a full moon. They proceeded into the mosque without waiting for his reply, as the wedding was about to commence. Soldiers blocked journalists from getting close.
Then, with elegance, the groom finally emerged. His wrist adorned with a royal watch, he stretched out his fair leg in brown leopard-skin shoes. As he stepped out fully, his stature stunned everyone — tall, broad-chested, glowing with charisma. His nose sharp, surrounded by a dark beard that magnified his aura. His diamond-like eyes sparkled, his lips small and pink, his curly black hair neatly styled. Though he wore similar attire as his friends, his had an additional grand robe, giving him the appearance of royalty. His muscular build and intimidating aura made it impossible for anyone to stare directly into his eyes.
This was Captain Aliyu Abdulnasser Tambari Buzu, a battle commander of the Nigerian Army’s 1st Division in Kaduna. Feared by enemies on the battlefield, respected by colleagues and superiors alike for his bravery. He leaned on the car briefly before striding into the mosque with his soldiers shielding him. He sat near Haisam and Jabir, with Mallam Lawal Bature and Kawu Bala at his side.
The Wedding Halt and Shocking Revelation
As the ceremony was about to begin, the Commissioner called his brother aside for a brief discussion. Kawu Bala grew nervous, fearing humiliation. Returning, the Commissioner asked:
“Where is the groom’s guardian from his father’s side to proceed with the marriage?”
Kawu Bala quickly stepped forward:
“I am here. There is no need to ask further. I already sought this marriage on Aliyu’s behalf.”
But the Commissioner interrupted:
“I mean the guardian from his father’s family, not you.”
Kawu Bala was speechless. He then stammered:
“We told you his father’s family is not around. That is why we arranged everything.”
The Commissioner smiled bitterly:
“Your name is Bala Shehu Akarami, Commissioner of Information in Kaduna. You are the elder brother to Aliyu’s mother. Since no paternal relatives came, it means this boy has no father, no origin!”
Kawu Bala was shocked:
“Please, Your Excellency! What kind of statement is this? He did not fall from the sky without a father. Let’s leave this matter and proceed with the marriage. We can discuss later.”
But the Commissioner firmly replied:
“No! We cannot give our daughter to a bastard. Unless a paternal relative is present, this wedding is canceled.”
The entire mosque erupted in commotion. Kawu Bala pleaded desperately:
“Please, don’t disgrace us before this crowd. Allow the wedding, and I promise we will resolve this later.”
But the Commissioner refused and left with his entourage. Shocked, Kawu Bala almost cried, fearing the shame.
Meanwhile, Suwaiba (Aliyu’s mother) was at home when Madina handed her the phone, saying:
“Goggo, Daddy is calling.”
Thinking the wedding was complete, she laughed:
“Alhamdulillah, my son is now a husband.”
But her brother’s trembling voice said:
“Suwaiba, they want to marry him to Azeema, Lawal’s daughter.”
Her heart dropped, and through tears she cried:
“My son is not a bastard! He has better manners than their daughter. Proceed with the wedding — it is Allah’s decree.”
The Marriage to Azeema and Aliyu’s Anguish
Quickly they returned to the mosque, and Kawu Bala handed over the dowry to the Imam, asking him to give Azeema in marriage. Without delay, the wedding was conducted between Captain Aliyu Abdulnasser Tambari Buzu and Azeema Lawal Bature. Praise singers rejoiced:
“Allah never misses what He decrees. Though the bride changed from Ni’imatullahi to Azeema, destiny has spoken.”
The crowd buzzed with shock as the journalists spread the news.
But Aliyu sat motionless, head bowed throughout the wedding. When it ended, Jabir touched him:
“Captain, take heart…”
Aliyu raised his face, eyes bloodshot, veins bulging, and roared:
“They said I have no father… that I am a bastard…”
He stormed out furiously, ignoring journalists’ questions and barking at them:
“Get away from my side!”
He entered his vehicle and sped off recklessly. Jabir held his head in despair:
“Inna lillahi! What if Aliyu harms himself in this rage?”
Haisam clasped his hands and sighed:
“May Allah protect him, but truly, I fear Aliyu’s anger…”