The Kano State Government has issued an Executive Order banning the group known as ‘Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi,’ citing its activities as illegal and a threat to public peace.

This was confirmed by Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, on Friday. He stated that the Executive Order, signed by Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, was issued to maintain public peace and enforce state laws in accordance with Section 5(2) of the constitution.

Abdullahi-Waiyya clarified that, according to the Kano State Hisbah Board Law, only the official Hisbah Board has the authority to coordinate Hisbah activities. He expressed concern that individuals were mobilizing people under the name ‘Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi’ without the proper legal authority.

The government has made it clear that such actions are illegal and a violation of the law. The Executive Order specifically forbids the recruitment, assembly, or training of individuals to operate any parallel Hisbah group or similar enforcement outfit.

“The formation or promotion of any group named ‘Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi’ or any similar group is unlawful and void,” Abdullahi-Waiyya said. He emphasized that only the official Hisbah Board is authorized to perform Hisbah duties and warned against impersonating its authority or symbols.

The government has also directed all security agencies to investigate the organizers and sponsors of the group and to halt their activities. The order also stresses that joining or supporting the group will be considered a breach of state law, with violators facing potential prosecution for unlawful assembly, impersonation, and forming an unauthorized enforcement group.

The government has urged individuals who are approached or recruited by the group to immediately disengage and report to the nearest Hisbah office or security agency.

The Executive Order is set to take immediate effect and will be officially gazetted by the Kano State Government Printer.