The Kano State Government has banned a group operating under the name *Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi*, declaring it illegal and a potential threat to public order in the state.
The decision was contained in an Executive Order signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, exercising his constitutional powers to maintain peace and enforce state laws.
Confirming the development on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiyya, said the order was issued in line with Section 5(2) of the 1999 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.
According to the commissioner, government became concerned after reports that some individuals were mobilising and organising people under the banner of *Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi* without legal backing.
He warned that the creation of a parallel Hisbah structure could undermine the authority of the recognised board and pose security risks.
“The formation, promotion or operation of any group known as Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, or any similar organisation, is illegal and void,” Abdullahi-Waiyya said.
The executive order expressly prohibits the recruitment, assembly or training of persons to operate any unauthorised Hisbah or similar enforcement outfit in the state.
The commissioner further cautioned against impersonation of the Hisbah Board, including the use of its uniforms, symbols or authority, stressing that such acts would attract severe sanctions.
He disclosed that Governor Yusuf has directed all security agencies to identify, investigate and dismantle the banned group, as well as arrest its organizers and sponsors.
Members of the public were also warned that joining, supporting or aiding the group constitutes an offence under state law.
“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 violators risk prosecution for offences including unlawful assembly, impersonation and the formation of an unauthorized enforcement outfit.
He noted that the executive order takes immediate effect and will be formally gazette by the Kano State Government.
