I wasn’t forced to marry my late fiancé’s brother weeks after his death, says bride

Hajara Ahmad, lady who married the younger brother to Abubakar Muhammad, late officer of the Nigerian air force (NAF), says she was not forced into the marriage.

The spotlight had beamed on Hajara after she tied the knot with Sulaiman Muhammad, her late fiancé’s brother, on March 20 — about five weeks after his demise.

The deceased was said to have been among the NAF operatives killed during a gun duel with armed bandits at Ungwan Laya axis of Birnin Gwari, Kaduna state, on February 13.

His death had come three weeks to his wedding with Hajara.

Hajara’s marriage to Sulaiman has continued to elicit mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media platforms.

But in an interview with BBC Pidgin, the new bride said the marriage was initiated by her, noting that she was not forced into the union as rumoured in some quarters.

She said the marriage has brought her happiness, adding that she is currently enjoying the union.

“The truth is that the marriage was my choice. Nobody forced me into it or anything,” she said.

Hajara also revealed that she still misses her late fiance, adding that she always prays for him.

“I cannot forget him (Abubakar) and I always pray for him” she added.

Sulaiman had earlier dismissed the criticisms trailing their marriage, explaining that the union had the backing of both families.

“Both families supported what we did and that is the most important thing. It was even my friend that showed me some of the comments but that did not bother me at all because God has already bless our wedding…” he had said.