The Kano State Government has formally banned the formation and operation of a group identified as “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi”, declaring its activities illegal and a threat to public order.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the prohibition through a new Executive Order signed on December 8, 2025, citing constitutional powers that vest in the governor the authority to maintain public peace and enforce state laws.
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The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs disclosed the development during a press briefing in Kano on Friday evening, saying Governor Yusuf signed the order to safeguard public order and protect the statutory mandate of the Kano State Hisbah Board.
According to the order, the Kano State Hisbah Board remains the only legally recognised body empowered to coordinate Hisbah-related functions in the state.
The government expressed concern that individuals and groups had begun recruiting and mobilising people into an unauthorised parallel enforcement outfit, an action it described as unlawful and capable of undermining the statutory Hisbah Board.
The Executive Order, titled Kano State Government (Prohibition of the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi) Order 2025, specifically prohibits the recruitment, training, mobilisation or deployment of any person under the name “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi” or any similar formation. All acts carried out under the group are declared illegal, null and void.
Governor Yusuf directed the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the outlawed group.
The agencies are also mandated to halt all ongoing activities linked to the organisation and take measures to prevent any breach of peace arising from its operations.
The public has been warned that supporting, joining or affiliating with the banned group constitutes a violation of Kano State laws. Individuals already recruited or approached for recruitment are advised to withdraw immediately and report to the nearest security agency, Hisbah office, or local government authority.
Violators of the Executive Order risk prosecution for offences including unlawful assembly, impersonation of lawful authorities, and establishment of unauthorised security or enforcement groups. The order takes immediate effect and will be gazetted by the State Government.
