The Kano State Government has issued an Executive Order banning a group known as Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, declaring it illegal and a potential threat to public order within the state.
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 the exercise of his constitutional powers to maintain public peace and enforce state laws, in line 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’s attention was drawn to reports indicating that certain individuals were mobilising and organising people under the banner of Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi without any legal authorisation or statutory backing.
According to the commissioner, the Executive Order declared such mobilisation unlawful, warning that the establishment of a parallel Hisbah structure could undermine the authority, mandate, 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 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, adding that only the official Hisbah Board is empowered under the law to perform Hisbah duties in the state. He further warned that the impersonation of the Board’s authority, uniforms, or symbols would not be tolerated.
The commissioner disclosed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed all security agencies to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the banned group and to immediately halt all its activities across the state.
He also cautioned members of the public that joining, supporting, or providing any form of assistance to the group constitutes a violation of Kano 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 individuals who violate the Executive Order may face prosecution 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.
