The Kano State Government has officially banned the activities of a group operating under the name “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi,” declaring it illegal and unauthorized to enforce moral or religious laws within the state. Authorities have also ordered an immediate crackdown on all members and operations linked to the group.

The decision was announced on Friday following an emergency security meeting chaired by senior state officials, amid growing concerns over reports of intimidation, harassment, and the unlawful assumption of security and law-enforcement roles by the group.

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Government: Group Has No Legal Backing

In a statement issued by the Kano State Government, officials made it clear that only the state-recognized Hisbah Board is legally empowered to carry out Hisbah-related duties under the Kano State Hisbah Law.

“The so-called Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi is not recognized by law and has no authority whatsoever to arrest, interrogate, or punish citizens,” the statement read. “Its activities constitute a direct violation of the laws of Kano State and pose a threat to public order.”

The government stressed that the proliferation of unregulated religious enforcement groups undermines the rule of law and could fuel insecurity if not decisively addressed.

Security Agencies Directed to Act

Following the ban, security agencies including the police, DSS, and other law-enforcement bodies have been instructed to immediately dismantle the group’s structures across the state. Members found operating under the banned name risk arrest and prosecution.

A senior security source disclosed that intelligence reports had linked the group to several incidents involving forceful enforcement of moral codes, illegal patrols, and public harassment, particularly in some urban and semi-urban areas of Kano.

“The government will not tolerate any parallel authority or self-appointed group taking laws into its own hands,” the source said.

Protection of Citizens’ Rights

The state government emphasized that while Kano remains committed to upholding religious and cultural values, such efforts must be conducted strictly within the confines of the law and with respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.

Officials warned residents against cooperating with or offering support to the banned group, urging the public to report any sightings or activities linked to it to the nearest security agency.

“We urge citizens to remain calm and law-abiding. Any form of vigilante or religious enforcement outside the legally established framework will be dealt with decisively,” the government added.

Hisbah Board Distances Itself

Meanwhile, the Kano State Hisbah Board has distanced itself from the banned group, reiterating that it operates under strict government supervision and established legal guidelines.

A spokesperson for the Board noted that the actions of unauthorized groups have often brought Hisbah operations into disrepute and created unnecessary tension within communities.

Public Reactions

The ban has sparked mixed reactions across Kano, with many residents welcoming the move as a step toward restoring order and preventing abuse, while others called for broader reforms to ensure accountability in religious and moral enforcement.

Analysts say the crackdown sends a strong signal that the Kano State Government is determined to reassert control over security and law enforcement, amid wider national concerns about non-state actors assuming coercive powers.

For now, authorities say enforcement of the ban has begun, and any resistance will be met with the full force of the law.