Kano State Government has issued an executive order banning a group known as Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, describing it as illegal and a potential threat to public order.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, confirmed the development on Friday, stating that the order was signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in exercise of his constitutional powers to maintain public peace and enforce state laws, in accordance with Section 5(2) of the Constitution.
Abdullahi-Waiyya explained that the Kano State Hisbah Board Law recognises only the officially constituted Hisbah Board as the lawful body authorised to coordinate and carry out Hisbah activities across the state.
He said the government became concerned following reports that certain individuals were mobilising and organising people under the banner of Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi without any legal backing.
According to him, the executive order declared such mobilisation unlawful, warning that the creation of a parallel Hisbah structure could undermine the authority and operations of the recognised Hisbah Board.
The order expressly prohibits the recruitment, assembly, or training of persons to operate any unauthorised Hisbah or similar enforcement outfit within the 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, adding that only the official Hisbah Board is empowered to perform Hisbah duties. He further warned that impersonation of the board’s authority, uniform, or symbols would not be tolerated.
The commissioner disclosed that the governor has directed all security agencies to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the banned group and to immediately stop all its activities.
He also cautioned members of the public that joining, supporting, or aiding the group constitutes a violation of state laws.
“Anyone who has been recruited or approached by the group should disengage immediately and report to the nearest security agency or Hisbah office,” he said.
Abdullahi-Waiyya added that violators of the order may be prosecuted for offences including unlawful assembly, impersonation, and the formation of an unauthorised enforcement outfit.
He noted that the executive order takes immediate effect and will be formally gazetted by the Kano State Government.
