The Kano State Government has shut down a group calling itself Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, saying its activities threaten public safety and violate state law.
Governor Abba Yusuf signed an executive order on December 8 outlawing the organisation after intelligence reports revealed it had been recruiting and training youths without authorisation, a direct breach of the Kano State Hisbah Board Law.
Information Commissioner Ibrahim Waiya made it clear: the Kano State Hisbah Board is the only legal body allowed to carry out religious enforcement in the state.
“Creating a parallel group is dangerous,” Waiya said. “It threatens public peace and undermines the authority of the official Hisbah Board.”
He warned that anyone impersonating the board, by wearing uniforms, using symbols, or claiming authority, would face serious consequences.
The executive order immediately nullifies everything the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi does.
The government described the group’s operations as “unlawful, illegal, and void.”
Governor Yusuf has directed police, DSS, NSCDC, and other agencies to track down those behind the banned group and prevent any disturbances.
Residents were warned not to support or associate with the organisation.
Anyone already involved was urged to withdraw immediately and report to the nearest security office, Hisbah centre, or local government.
Violators could face prosecution for unlawful assembly, impersonation, and running an unauthorised security outfit.
The ban follows rising concerns about plans to create rival religious enforcement groups in Kano.
In late November, the state government called for the arrest of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje over comments it said could destabilise security.
According to Waiya, cabinet members discussed statements linked to Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin about Kano being vulnerable to banditry.
The statements also reportedly mentioned recruiting 12,000 people for a proposed outfit called Khairul Nas.
“These inflammatory statements raised serious alarms about security and governance,” Waiya explained.
Civil society groups have also voiced concern. The International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS) called attempts to establish Hisbah-style bodies outside government control “troubling and unacceptable.”
Ganduje rejected the accusations outright, calling them “baseless” and “reckless.” The former APC national chairman said he has never been involved in violence or anything that threatens Kano’s peace.
He accused the state government of acting out of “desperation” and failing to protect citizens, calling the allegations “an abdication of responsibility.”
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