Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has issued an Executive Order banning the formation and operation of a group known as Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, describing it as illegal and a threat to public order.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano.
He said the Executive Order, signed by the governor, was issued pursuant to Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers a state governor to maintain public peace and enforce state laws.
According to Waiya, the Kano State Hisbah Board Law recognises only the Kano State Hisbah Board as the sole authority empowered to coordinate and carry out Hisbah-related activities in the state.
“The government has observed with concern that certain individuals and groups are recruiting, mobilising and organising persons into a body called ‘Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi’ without any lawful authority,”
He explained that the Executive Order declares the activities of the group illegal, warning that the emergence of a parallel Hisbah structure could undermine the operations of the legally established Hisbah Board and disrupt public peace.
The order expressly prohibits any individual or group from recruiting, assembling, training or deploying persons to operate a parallel Hisbah or any similar enforcement outfit within the state.
“The formation, establishment or promotion of any association or organisation under the name ‘Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi,’ or any similar designation, is unlawful, null and void,”
He stressed that the Kano State Hisbah Board remains the only recognised body mandated to perform Hisbah functions, adding that impersonation of the board’s authority, uniform or symbols is strictly prohibited.
The commissioner further disclosed that Governor Yusuf has directed the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the banned group, halt their activities and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The Executive Order also warns members of the public that participating in or supporting the outlawed group constitutes a violation of state laws.
“Anyone who has been recruited or approached for recruitment into the so-called Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi is advised to disengage immediately and report to the nearest security agency, Hisbah office or local government authority,” he said.
Waiya noted that violators of the order will face prosecution for offences including unlawful assembly, impersonation of lawful authorities and establishing an unauthorised enforcement group.
He added that the order takes immediate effect and will be formally gazetted by the Kano State Government Printer.