The Kano State Government has issued an executive order banning a group known as “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi,” accusing it of unlawful recruitment and activities that threaten public order.
The order, signed by Governor Abba Yusuf and dated December 8, 2025, said authorities uncovered “ongoing recruitment, training and mobilisation of youths into the group without lawful authority and in violation of the Kano State Hisbah Board Law.”
Speaking to journalists, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya stressed that the Kano State Hisbah Board is the only body legally empowered to carry out Hisbah‑related duties.
“The Hisbah Board is the only legally recognised body authorised to carry out Hisbah functions in Kano State,” Waiya said. “The emergence of this parallel group amounts to creating an unauthorised enforcement structure capable of undermining public peace and the statutory mandate of the Board.”
Activities Declared Illegal
The executive order declares all activities of the group unlawful.
“It shall not be lawful for any person or group of persons to recruit, assemble, mobilise, train or deploy any person for the purposes of operating a parallel Hisbah or similar enforcement outfit in the state,” the directive states.
Governor Yusuf warned that impersonating the Hisbah Board—through uniforms, symbols or claims of authority—would attract sanctions. He directed the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to investigate the group’s promoters and halt all recruitment and training activities.
“Security agencies are to take all necessary lawful measures to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state,” the order added.
Public Warned, Recruits Told to Disengage
The government cautioned the public that supporting, joining, or associating with the proscribed group constitutes a violation of state law. Individuals already recruited were advised to withdraw immediately and report to the nearest security agency, Hisbah office, or local government authority.
The order outlines penalties for offenders, including prosecution for unlawful assembly, impersonation of lawful authorities, and establishing unauthorised security formations.
The directive takes immediate effect and will be formally gazetted by the Kano State Government Printer.
