Kano Government Bans “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi” Over Unauthorized Recruitment

The Kano State Government has proscribed a group operating under the name “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi,” citing illegal recruitment, training, and mobilisation of youths in violation of the Kano State Hisbah Board Law.

The executive order, signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on December 8, 2025, declared all activities of the group unlawful, illegal, and void. It warns that any impersonation of the Hisbah Board’s uniform, symbols, or authority will attract legal sanctions.

Briefing journalists, Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stressed that the Hisbah Board remains the only legally recognised body empowered to coordinate Hisbah-related duties in the state. He said the emergence of the parallel group undermines public peace and the statutory mandate of the Board.

Governor Yusuf has directed the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies to investigate the promoters of the group, halt ongoing recruitment or training, and take lawful measures to maintain public order.

The public was cautioned that participation in, support for, or affiliation with the proscribed group constitutes a violation of state laws. Individuals already recruited are advised to disengage and report to the nearest security formation, Hisbah office, or local government authority.

The executive order, which takes immediate effect, also outlines penalties for violators, including prosecution for unlawful assembly, impersonation of lawful authorities, and establishment of unauthorized security formations.