The Kano State Government has outlawed a self-styled group known as Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, declaring its operations a direct challenge to public order and the state’s established religious enforcement framework.
Authorities said intelligence reports revealed that the group had been quietly recruiting and training young people without legal backing, raising concerns about the emergence of an unauthorised enforcement outfit operating outside the law.
Officials warned that such activities risk destabilising community peace and blurring the lines of lawful authority.
Speaking during a media briefing, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, emphasised that only the Kano State Hisbah Board has the legal authority to perform Hisbah-related duties.
He described the parallel structure as “an unnecessary and dangerous duplication” that contradicts existing state legislation.
According to the state government, the executive directive signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf makes it illegal for any individual or group to organise, train, or deploy persons under the guise of a Hisbah organisation without statutory approval.
The governor noted that allowing such outfits to thrive could weaken institutional authority and threaten social stability.
“All actions carried out by this group have no legal standing whatsoever,” the governor was quoted as saying.
“Any attempt to imitate the symbols, uniforms, or powers of the Hisbah Board will attract decisive legal consequences.”
Furthermore, the governor instructed security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to identify and investigate those behind the group.
They were also directed to immediately stop any ongoing recruitment or training linked to the organisation.
Residents were cautioned against associating with the proscribed group, as membership or support now constitutes a breach of state law.
Individuals already involved were urged to withdraw and present themselves to the nearest security agency, Hisbah office, or local government authority.
The government disclosed that violators could face prosecution on multiple counts, including unlawful assembly, impersonation of public authorities, and establishing an illegal security formation.
The executive order has taken effect immediately and will be formally published in the state gazette, underscoring the administration’s resolve to prevent any structure capable of undermining law and order in Kano.