The Kano State Government has banned a group known as Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, declaring it illegal and a potential threat to public peace and order in the state. The decision was taken through an Executive Order signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The development was confirmed on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, who said the governor acted within his constitutional powers to ensure security and enforce the law.
According to him, the Executive Order was issued in line with Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers a state governor to execute and maintain state laws and protect public order.
Abdullahi-Waiyya explained that the state government became worried after receiving reports that some individuals were mobilising and organising people under the name Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi without any legal approval.
He said such activities raised serious security concerns, as they involved the creation of a parallel enforcement structure outside the control of the law.
“The government observed with concern that certain individuals are mobilising people under the banner of Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi without any legal backing,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the Kano State Hisbah Board Law clearly recognises only one Hisbah body in the state — the officially constituted Kano State Hisbah Board.
The Hisbah system in Kano State is an Islamic-based moral enforcement structure established to promote social order and ethical conduct, particularly among Muslims. Over the years, the Kano State Hisbah Board has operated under state law and works alongside other security agencies to maintain peace.
Abdullahi-Waiyya said the law does not allow the formation of any parallel or independent Hisbah groups.
“The Kano State Hisbah Board Law recognises only the official Hisbah Board as the lawful body authorised to coordinate and carry out Hisbah activities across the state,” he said.
He warned that allowing another group to operate under a similar name could confuse the public, undermine the authority of the recognised board, and lead to abuse of power.
According to the government, the Executive Order expressly prohibits the recruitment, assembly, or training of any persons to operate an unauthorised Hisbah or similar enforcement outfit within Kano State.
“The formation, promotion, or operation of any group known as Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, or any similar organisation, is illegal and void,” Abdullahi-Waiyya stated.
He added that impersonation of the official Hisbah Board, including the use of its uniform, symbols, or authority, will not be tolerated.
The order also makes it clear that only the officially recognised Hisbah Board has the legal power to perform Hisbah duties in the state.
The commissioner disclosed that Governor Yusuf has directed all security agencies in the state to immediately move against the banned group.
He said security agencies have been instructed to investigate the organisers, sponsors, and members of the group and to put an end to all its activities.
“The governor has directed all security agencies to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the banned group and to stop all its activities with immediate effect,” he said.
This directive covers the police, other security agencies, and relevant enforcement bodies in the state.
The Kano State Government also warned members of the public against joining, supporting, or assisting the banned group in any form.
Abdullahi-Waiyya said anyone found aiding or participating in the activities of the group would be violating state laws and could face legal consequences.
“Joining, supporting or aiding the group constitutes a violation of state laws,” he said.
He advised anyone who may have been recruited or approached by the group to disengage immediately.
“Anyone who has been recruited or approached by the group should withdraw and report to the nearest security agency or Hisbah office,” the commissioner added.
According to the government, violators of the Executive Order may be prosecuted for several offences, including unlawful assembly, impersonation, and the formation of an unauthorised enforcement outfit.
These offences carry penalties under existing state and federal laws, depending on the nature of the violation.
Abdullahi-Waiyya said the government would not hesitate to enforce the law to prevent any breakdown of order in the state.
The Hisbah system has existed in Kano for many years and operates mainly to encourage moral behaviour in line with Islamic teachings. The Kano State Hisbah Board was formally established by law and operates under government supervision.
Its activities include mediation in family disputes, enforcement of certain moral codes, and cooperation with security agencies to maintain peace.
However, the government has repeatedly stressed that Hisbah operatives must act within the law and respect the rights of citizens.
In the past, concerns have been raised about the actions of unregulated groups claiming to act in the name of religion. The state government has often warned that such groups could create confusion, abuse authority, or spark conflict.
Abdullahi-Waiyya confirmed that the Executive Order banning Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi takes immediate effect. He added that the order will be formally gazetted by the Kano State Government to give it full legal backing.
The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, order, and the rule of law in Kano State.
According to the commissioner, while the state respects religious practices, it will not allow any group to operate outside the law or threaten public safety.
