Kano State Government Bans ‘Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi,’ Declares Group Illegal
The Kano State Government has formally banned a group operating under the name Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, describing it as an illegal organisation whose activities could undermine public peace and the lawful enforcement framework within the state. The ban was announced following the signing of an executive order by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, aimed at preventing the emergence of unauthorised enforcement groups.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, confirmed the development on Friday, stating that the governor acted within his constitutional powers as provided under Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). According to the commissioner, the executive order was issued in the interest of maintaining public order, safety, and the rule of law across Kano State.
Abdullahi-Waiyya explained that the Kano State Hisbah Board Law clearly recognises only one legally constituted Hisbah body—the Kano State Hisbah Board—as the sole authority empowered to coordinate, supervise, and conduct Hisbah activities throughout the state. He noted that the emergence of any parallel group performing similar functions without legal backing amounts to a direct violation of existing laws.
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The commissioner said the government became alarmed after receiving reports that certain individuals were mobilising, recruiting, and organising members of the public under the banner of Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi. According to him, these activities were carried out without authorisation from the state government or recognition under any law governing religious or community enforcement bodies.
He stressed that the creation of a parallel Hisbah structure poses serious risks, including confusion among residents, abuse of authority, and potential clashes with officially recognised institutions. The executive order therefore declares the formation, promotion, or operation of Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, or any group performing similar functions outside the law, as illegal and void.
“The recruitment, assembly, training, or deployment of persons to operate any unauthorised Hisbah or enforcement outfit in Kano State is strictly prohibited,” Abdullahi-Waiyya stated. He added that impersonation of the Kano State Hisbah Board through the use of its name, uniforms, insignia, or symbols would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
As part of the enforcement measures, the governor has directed all security agencies in the state to immediately halt the activities of the banned group and to investigate those responsible for organising, funding, or sponsoring it. The commissioner disclosed that individuals found to be in violation of the order may face prosecution for offences including unlawful assembly, impersonation, and the establishment of an unauthorised enforcement body.
The government also issued a warning to members of the public, cautioning against joining, supporting, or providing any form of assistance to the banned organisation. Abdullahi-Waiyya urged anyone who may have been recruited or contacted by the group to disengage immediately and report such encounters to the nearest security agency or recognised Hisbah office.
He emphasised that the executive order takes immediate effect and will be formally gazetted by the Kano State Government to give it full legal force. According to the commissioner, the administration remains committed to upholding law and order while ensuring that religious and community-based institutions operate strictly within the boundaries of the law.
The ban has sparked widespread public debate, with many observers drawing attention to broader concerns about security, religious regulation, and the dangers of unregulated groups assuming enforcement roles. As the state moves to enforce the order, authorities say the priority remains the protection of lives, property, and institutional integrity in Kano State.