The Kano State Government has issued an Executive Order banning a group called Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, declaring it illegal and a threat to public order.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, confirmed on Friday that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signed the order under his constitutional powers to maintain public peace and enforce state laws, citing 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 sole authority empowered to oversee and carry out Hisbah activities across the state. Concerns arose after reports that individuals were mobilising people under the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi banner without legal authority.
The executive order explicitly forbids recruitment, assembly, or training of individuals to operate any unauthorised Hisbah or similar enforcement group. “The formation, promotion, or operation of any group known as Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, or any similar organisation, is illegal and void,” Abdullahi-Waiyya said, emphasising that only the official Hisbah Board can perform Hisbah duties. He also warned that impersonating the board’s authority, uniform, or symbols will not be tolerated.
The commissioner stated that the governor has directed security agencies to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the banned group and to immediately halt all its activities. Members of the public were cautioned that joining, supporting, or assisting the group violates 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 added.
Abdullahi-Waiyya noted that violators of the order could face prosecution for offences including unlawful assembly, impersonation, and establishing an unauthorised enforcement outfit. The executive order takes immediate effect and will be formally published in the Kano State Government gazette.
