The Kano State government has issued an Executive Order banning a group calling itself “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi”, declaring it illegal and unlawful.

The government clarified that the group is not recognized under state law, and its activities could threaten public order.

Government’s Response and Legal Action

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signed the executive order, and Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, confirmed the ban during a press briefing. Abdullahi-Waiyya explained that the governor had invoked his constitutional powers under Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants state executives the authority to maintain public peace and enforce state laws.

The government emphasized that individuals were recruiting and organizing people under the name “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi” without lawful authorization. This activity, according to the government, amounted to the creation of a parallel enforcement body that could undermine the statutory Kano State Hisbah Board, the only legally recognized body tasked with coordinating Hisbah duties across the state.

Official Stand on Parallel Groups

The executive order explicitly states that forming, promoting, recruiting for, or operating any parallel Hisbah group, or any similar entity, is illegal and void.

The government further directed security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to investigate the organizers and sponsors of the banned group. The authorities were also tasked with halting all recruitment, training, and mobilization activities related to it.

Consequences for Affiliating with the Group

The Kano State government issued a stern warning, stating that “joining, supporting, or affiliating with the group” would be a violation of state laws. It also urged individuals who had already been approached or recruited by the group to disengage immediately and report to security agencies or the nearest Hisbah office.

Role of the Kano State Hisbah Corps

The Hisbah Corps in Kano is a religious police force established under state law to enforce Sharia provisions for Muslims in the state. It operates under legal recognition and has been involved in enforcing moral and public order codes across the region.

Civil Society Concerns

Civil society organizations had previously condemned the formation of a parallel Hisbah group, arguing that it posed risks to public order, the rule of law, and could lead to abuses or conflict between enforcement bodies. These groups expressed concerns that such unauthorized organizations could destabilize the system of public enforcement and create confusion in law enforcement practices.