The Bauchi State Government has debunked a viral social media claim alleging that Governor Bala Mohammed approved a fixed dowry of ₦1,500 for divorced women, describing the report as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.

The Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Muhammad Binni, stated this while addressing journalists in Bauchi on Sunday.

Binni said the viral video, which has been circulating on Facebook and TikTok, also falsely claimed that the traditional ruler of Zar (Gum Zar) directed residents to comply with the purported government policy.

He described the allegation as “entirely false, baseless and fabricated.”

The commissioner said, “The Bauchi State Government has never issued any directive or policy concerning the dowry of divorced or single women. The information circulating on social media is fake and intended to mislead the public.”

He urged residents to disregard the video and avoid sharing unverified information capable of creating unnecessary tension and confusion.

“We call on members of the public to disregard the viral video and refrain from sharing unverified information that is capable of causing unnecessary tension and confusion,” Binni said.

The commissioner added that Governor Bala Mohammed had consistently respected the religious beliefs, cultural values and traditions of the people of Bauchi State since assuming office.

According to him, “Governor Bala Mohammed has always respected the religious beliefs, cultural values and traditions of the people of Bauchi State. The government has not and will not impose policies that contradict these cherished values.”

Binni also appealed to the public to verify information before circulating it on social media.

He said, “We urge everyone to verify information before sharing it and to avoid spreading falsehoods capable of undermining the peace, unity and reputation of Bauchi State and its rich religious and cultural heritage.”

PUNCH gathered that a social media user identified as Boroh James Hussaini had claimed that the dowry for a single woman who had given birth outside marriage would be ₦3,000, while unmarried women who had remained unmarried for a long time without giving birth would be married off to drivers free of charge.