Kano Govt Orders Crackdown, Dismantling of Unauthorised Hisbah Groups

The Kano State Government has directed security agencies to clamp down on a group operating under the name Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, following concerns that its activities pose a threat to public order.

The directive is contained in an Executive Order signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, which formally outlaws the group and any similar outfits operating outside the state’s legally recognised Hisbah structure.

Speaking on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, said the decision was taken to prevent the emergence of parallel enforcement bodies that could destabilise the state.

He explained that the governor acted within his constitutional mandate to preserve peace and enforce existing laws.

Abdullahi-Waiyya stressed that the Kano State Hisbah Board Law recognises only the official Hisbah Board as the body authorised to coordinate Hisbah activities across the state, warning that any other group claiming such powers is acting unlawfully.

According to him, intelligence reports indicated that some individuals were recruiting and mobilising people under the banned group’s name without approval from the government, a development he said could undermine the operations of the statutory Hisbah Board.

Under the Executive Order, the recruitment, training, assembly or operation of any unauthorised Hisbah or similar enforcement group is prohibited.

The government also declared the formation or promotion of Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, or any group bearing a similar identity, null and void.

The commissioner disclosed that all security agencies have been instructed to identify, investigate and prosecute those behind the group, including its sponsors and organisers, while bringing its activities to an immediate halt.

He further warned residents that associating with or supporting the banned group amounts to a violation of state laws.

Those who have been approached or recruited were advised to withdraw immediately and report to security agencies or the nearest official Hisbah office.

Abdullahi-Waiyya added that offenders risk prosecution for offences such as unlawful assembly, impersonation and operating an unauthorised enforcement outfit, noting that the Executive Order takes immediate effect and will be officially gazetted by the state government.