By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

A Nigerian lawyer, Waliu Taofik, has clarified that a statutory marriage conducted under the Marriage Act does not prevent a Muslim man from marrying another wife under Islamic law, contrary to widespread misconceptions about the legal implications of court marriages.

The clarification followed renewed public debate after popular content creator Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, and his wife, Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, also known as Jarvis, concluded their white wedding on Saturday, August 1, 2026, days after their civil wedding sparked widespread reactions on social media.

Taofik, in a post on his X account, explained that Nigerian law allows a Muslim man who has contracted a marriage under the Marriage Act to subsequently marry another Muslim woman in accordance with Islamic rites. His comments were in response to claims by some social media users that Peller’s court marriage would legally prevent him from taking another wife in the future. Others had also speculated that Jarvis would automatically be entitled to half of Peller’s wealth if the marriage ended in divorce.

According to the lawyer:

“Peller, I am pleased to inform you that as a Muslim man who married under the Marriage Act, you are legally permitted to marry another Muslim woman under Islamic law (Nikah). Therefore, a registry or court marriage does not prevent Muslim men from contracting another marriage under Islamic law.”

The clarification has reignited discussions on the relationship between statutory and Islamic marriage laws in Nigeria, particularly on issues relating to polygamy, marital rights and the legal implications of different forms of marriage.

Peller and Jarvis had earlier exchanged vows at a civil ceremony attended by family members and close associates before signing the marriage register. On Saturday, they sealed their union with a colourful white wedding attended by relatives, friends, fellow content creators and other invited guests.

Before the civil ceremony, Peller also fulfilled the traditional marriage rites in Benin City, Edo State, where he met Jarvis’ family, paid her bride price and completed the customary marriage requirements.

The couple have built a massive following across social media through comedy skits, TikTok livestreams and relationship-themed content, making them one of Nigeria’s most recognisable influencer couples.