The Kano State Government has taken decisive action against the formation of any parallel religious police force by formally proscribing the proposed Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, an outfit allegedly being set up by a former governor of the State.
Naijaonpoint reports that Governor Abba Yusuf issued an Executive Order on Friday evening that instantly outlaws the formation, recruitment, and operation of any Hisbah structure outside the statutory government body.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs announced the development during a press briefing in Kano, stating that Governor Yusuf signed the order to safeguard public order and protect the legal mandate of the existing Kano State Hisbah Board.
The government expressed concern that certain individuals and groups were allegedly mobilising and recruiting persons into the unapproved outfit, a move officials described as unlawful and capable of undermining the state’s security framework.
The Executive Order, titled ‘Kano State Government (Prohibition of the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi) Order 2025,’ unequivocally declared the proposed group illegal.
“It shall not be lawful for any person or group to recruit, assemble, mobilise, train or deploy persons for the purpose of operating a parallel Hisbah or similar enforcement outfit,” the order states, emphasizing that any act done in furtherance of such a body is “unlawful, illegal and void.”
The Kano State Government has also directed all security agencies – including the Nigeria Police, DSS, and NSCDC – to immediately investigate the sponsors and organisers of the proscribed group.
The agencies are further tasked with halting all ongoing recruitment or mobilisation and taking lawful steps to prevent any breach of the peace.
The government warned the public against participating, supporting, or affiliating with the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, noting that such actions would constitute a violation of state laws.
Offenders, the order prescribes, will face prosecution under existing laws, covering offenses such as unlawful assembly, impersonation of lawful authorities, and establishing unauthorized enforcement groups.
The Executive Order took immediate effect and is scheduled to be gazetted without delay.
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