The Kano State Government has banned a group operating under the name Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, declaring it illegal and a threat to public order.
The ban followed an Executive Order signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, invoking his constitutional powers to preserve public peace and ensure the enforcement of state laws.
Confirming the development on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, said the order was issued pursuant to Section 5(2) of the Constitution.
He explained that the Kano State Hisbah Board Law recognises only the officially constituted Hisbah Board as the lawful body empowered to coordinate and carry out Hisbah activities across the state.
Abdullahi-Waiyya said the government became alarmed by reports that some individuals were mobilising and organising people under the banner of Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi without any legal authority.
According to him, the Executive Order declared such actions unlawful, warning that the establishment of a parallel Hisbah structure could undermine the authority and operations of the recognised Hisbah Board.
The order, he said, expressly prohibits the recruitment, assembly or training of persons for the purpose of operating any unauthorised Hisbah or similar enforcement outfit in 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 to perform Hisbah duties.
He further warned that impersonation of the board’s authority, uniform or symbols would not be tolerated.
The commissioner disclosed that the governor has directed all security agencies to identify and investigate the organisers and sponsors of the banned group and to halt its activities with immediate effect.
He also cautioned residents that joining, supporting or aiding the group amounts to a breach of 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 offenders risk prosecution for offences ranging from unlawful assembly and impersonation to 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.