Kano Hisbah Arrests 19 for Alleged Immoral Acts

…Urges Youths to Uphold Modesty and Respect for Law

The Kano State Hisbah Board has confirmed the arrest of 19 individuals for alleged involvement in acts deemed immoral under the state’s Islamic moral code. The arrests, carried out during a weekend operation in Sabon Gari and Club Road areas, were part of the board’s ongoing campaign to curb indecent behaviour and promote public decency.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Hisbah Board, Lawal Ibrahim Fagge, the suspects — comprising 11 men and 8 women — were apprehended following intelligence reports about gatherings involving alcohol consumption, indecent dressing, and public dancing. Fagge said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Kano State Police Command, ensuring that due process was followed.

“Our officers acted on credible information. The individuals were found engaging in activities contrary to the moral standards of our society. They will be counselled and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” Fagge told reporters.

The Hisbah Board, established under the Kano State Hisbah Law of 2003, operates as part of the state’s moral enforcement framework, guided by Islamic principles. Its mandate includes promoting modesty, preventing vices such as prostitution and drug abuse, and supporting community reorientation programmes.

While the arrests have sparked mixed reactions, the board insists its actions are not punitive but corrective. Fagge explained that the suspects would undergo moral counselling sessions before being released to their families.

“We are not here to humiliate anyone. Our goal is to guide people back to the right path. Many of those arrested are young people who need moral direction,” he added.

The Kano State Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, defended the Hisbah’s operations, saying they align with the state’s cultural and religious values. He urged residents to cooperate with the board and avoid activities that could undermine public morality.

“Kano is a state built on discipline and respect for Islamic values. The government will continue to support institutions that promote peace and moral order,” Dantiye said.

However, human rights advocates have called for a balanced approach. The Civil Rights Concern (CRC) in Kano urged the Hisbah to ensure that arrests respect constitutional rights and avoid profiling or excessive force. The group’s spokesperson, Aisha Abdullahi, noted that moral enforcement should go hand in hand with education and youth empowerment.

“We understand the need for moral guidance, but it must be done with compassion and respect for human dignity,” she said.

Residents of Sabon Gari expressed relief that the operation was peaceful, with no reports of violence or property damage. Some community leaders commended the Hisbah for maintaining order, while others appealed for more youth engagement programmes to address the root causes of moral decline.

As Kano continues to navigate the intersection of faith, law, and modernity, the Hisbah’s latest operation underscores the delicate balance between preserving cultural values and protecting individual freedoms — a conversation that remains central to Nigeria’s evolving social landscape.