Malam Rabi'u Shema, a native of Shema village in Dutsamma Local Government Area of Katsina State, is a man blessed with striking beauty and charisma. He moved to Kano for business, initially alone, and later brought his wife, Iya Ladi. They have four children: three sons and one daughter.

Over the years, Malam Rabi'u's house has expanded into a large family home with four sections, accommodating his three sons and their families. He is now blessed with nearly twenty-four grandchildren, including those from his daughter Marwa, who lives in Dutsamma.

None of Malam Rabi'u's children received formal education, but they possess religious knowledge. His eldest son, Hamza, married his first wife, Ruqayya, who is his cousin. They lived harmoniously in Kano, and after three years, Ruqayya gave birth to their daughter, Maryam. Shortly after, Hamza expressed his desire to marry Suwaiba, which initially caused tension but was eventually accepted by the family.

Suwaiba, originally from Dawanau but residing in Kano, faced initial resistance from Hamza's family but won them over with her patience and obedience. Maryam became very attached to Suwaiba, and Ruqayya eventually accepted this. Both women later became pregnant simultaneously, with Ruqayya giving birth to Rahama and Suwaiba to Ahmad.

Despite Suwaiba's reserved nature, Ruqayya took care of Ahmad, and the children grew up closely bonded. Ruqayya later had another daughter, Sakina, followed by Suwaiba's daughter, Raheenat. Ruqayya stopped having children after Sakina, while Suwaiba had several more: Mudanseer, Abubakar, Fa'iza, Sadiya, and Zainab.

Hamza's younger brother, Yusha'u, also lived in the family house with his wife, Dausiyya (Gaje), who harbored jealousy towards Suwaiba. Despite her attempts to create discord, Ruqayya and Suwaiba maintained their bond. Gaje's jealousy intensified when Suwaiba had a son, Ahmad, while she had a daughter, Binta.

The youngest brother, Ilyasu, married Sailuba, who was influenced by Gaje to dislike Ruqayya and Suwaiba. This caused tension in the family, prompting Malam Rabi'u to intervene and address the issue with his children, including his youngest daughter, Marwanatu, who is married and lives in Dutsamma.