The Kano State Censorship Board has announced the suspension of 22 Hausa film series, including popular titles such as Labarina and Dadin Kowa, for allegedly breaching censorship regulations.
The decision, which took immediate effect, was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Abba El-Mustapha, following a management meeting earlier this week.
According to Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the Board’s Information Officer, the affected series were either released or aired without undergoing the mandatory censorship procedures required by law.
“The Board has suspended 22 Hausa film series for violating our guidelines, which require that all films be submitted for censorship before public release,” Sulaiman stated in an official announcement.
The full list of suspended titles includes Dakin Amarya, Mashahuri, Gidan Sarauta, Wasiyya, Tawakkaltu, Mijina, Wani Zamani, Labarina, Mallaka, Kudin Ruwa, Boka Ko Malam, Wayasan Gobe, Rana Dubu, Manyan Mata, Fatake, Gwarwashi, Jamilun Jiddan, Shahadar Nabila, Dadin Kowa, Tabarmar, Kishiyata, and Rigar Aro.
The Censorship Board reiterated its legal authority to regulate all films intended for production, marketing, streaming, or broadcasting within and outside Kano State.
“The law empowers the Board to censor all films intended for production, marketing, streaming, or broadcasting, and to regulate all relevant stakeholders within and outside Kano State,” Sulaiman explained.
Producers of the suspended series have been given a one-week deadline to submit their works for proper review and approval.
“Producers are instructed to cease airing or streaming their content on television or online platforms. They are expected to submit their productions for censorship approval from Monday, May 19, 2025, to Sunday, May 25, 2025,” he added.
Sulaiman further warned that failure to comply within the specified timeframe would result in legal action.
The Board also urged the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), television stations, and online streaming platforms to cooperate with its enforcement measures and ensure that only approved content is distributed to the public.
