Hisba

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Coalition of Ulama and Islamic Organizations in Kano State has strongly rejected comments credited to an American Congressman who reportedly urged the Nigerian government to abolish Shariah laws and dismantle the Hisbah institution.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and titled LEAVE OUR SHARIAH ALONE!, the coalition described the remarks as unwarranted and provocative. It accused the lawmaker of portraying himself as a “savior” of Nigerian Christians while calling for actions the group said undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.

According to the coalition, such calls amount to interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and pose a threat to the fragile harmony between Muslims and Christians across the country. The group stated that residents of Kano understand and appreciate the benefits of Shariah, both for Muslims and for non-Muslims living in the state.

The scholars recalled past incidents when religious tensions in other parts of the world led to reprisals in Kano, during which Christians were attacked and lives were lost. They noted that such incidents no longer occur and attributed the improvement to the implementation of Shariah, which they said some outsiders now seek to discredit by inviting foreign intervention.

The coalition further stated that peace in Kano resulted from deliberate efforts by religious leaders and institutions. It cited the role of the Hisbah Corps in protecting churches during periods of tension and joint media programmes that brought Christian and Muslim clerics together to promote peaceful coexistence. The group added that similar efforts remain in place despite what it described as a renewed push of a Christian genocide narrative.

The ulama stressed that they would continue to safeguard lives and property in Kano without discrimination. They said this commitment covers Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

In a series of resolutions, the coalition declared that Muslims in Kano and across Nigeria would not abandon their constitutional and God-given rights to implement Shariah among the Muslim population. It maintained that the Hisbah would continue to operate as an institution of Shariah enforcement, regardless of formal government recognition, while affirming respect for democratic processes.

The group also urged the American government to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and allow elected Nigerian leaders to manage domestic affairs. It called on the Federal and State Governments not to succumb to intimidation from any foreign country and to remain accountable to the citizens who elected them. The coalition pledged its support for efforts aimed at ending violence nationwide.

In addition, the scholars appealed to ulama and imams to observe alqunut, described as special prayers, seeking Allah’s intervention against enemies of Muslims and Nigeria. They said the prayers should hold daily for at least thirty days. The statement also urged Muslims to repent from wrongdoing, uphold Islamic teachings, and cooperate fully with the Hisbah and other Islamic institutions.

The coalition called on Nigerians to ignore threats from foreigners whom it said misunderstand Nigeria’s social and religious fabric. It encouraged citizens to continue living together peacefully and to resolve grievances through dialogue.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of faith in the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It called on the government to instruct foreign powers to refrain from intimidation and to channel any assistance through duly constituted Nigerian authorities.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Hisbah Board has successfully intercepted a suspected human trafficking operation involving three underaged girls and two alleged traffickers.

Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Dr. Mujahiddin Aminuddin, confirmed the incident in a statement he personally shared with journalists on Thursday.

one of the victims

According to Dr. Aminuddin, the suspects—Habibu Idris, 45, from Roni Local Government Area of Jigawa State, and Basirat Tijjani, 58, a Christian from Oyo State—were apprehended under the Fagge flyover following a dispute that attracted the attention of residents.

Eyewitnesses alerted Hisbah officers, who quickly moved to arrest the suspects.The rescued victims, all from Kazaure in Jigawa State, are three girls aged between 14 and 17 years: Kubariyya Amadu, 14; Rukayya Umar, 17; and Rashida Usaini, 14.

Dr. Aminuddin explained that Habibu had been transporting children from Kano to Basirat for financial gain, previously charging N10,000 per child but recently increasing the fee to N15,000.

Basirat’s refusal to pay the higher amount reportedly triggered the dispute that exposed the operation.

“Neither the woman nor her agent knew the exact destination of the children. Their only concern was the money,” Dr. Aminuddin said, adding that the children themselves were unaware of where they were being taken.

The Hisbah chief also voiced concern over rising parental negligence, noting that some parents fail to prioritize their children’s education, health, and general wellbeing.

“Parents now see their own children as a burden, which is why some willingly hand them over without questioning their safety or future,” he lamented.

The suspects and victims have since been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The controversy surrounding the arrest and trial of Kano-based social media influencer, Murja Kunya, has escalated with her mother, Hadizatul Kubra, vehemently rejecting what she perceives as the inhumane treatment of her daughter at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Kano. 

Murja Kunya, currently held in custody by the Kano State Hisbah Board, faced a Shari’a Court order to undergo medical evaluation at the government-owned psychiatric hospital ahead of her impending trial.

Charges including indecency, public nuisance, and promoting prostitution were leveled against her by the Hisba Board. 

Expressing concern over her daughter’s treatment, Murja’s lawyer, A.U. Haji, criticised the hospital for allegedly attempting to administer unidentified substances without informing her about her health status, branding it a violation of her human rights.

According to Leadership newspaper, Murja’s combative behaviour towards healthcare personnel has further complicated her situation. 

In a widely circulated audio interview, Hadizatul Kubra voiced dissatisfaction with her daughter’s alleged maltreatment, asserting Murja’s sound mental health but dramatic disposition.

She recounted being urgently summoned to the hospital, where Murja was reportedly distressed, and denounced what she perceived as mistreatment. 

In the audio, Kubra appealed to the state government for leniency while opposing psychiatric evaluation or treatment for her daughter, adamantly refusing any injections, stating, “I know they are doing this to kill my daughter, and I will never allow her to be injected with anything, no matter what.” 

She highlighted Murja’s familial support, particularly towards her and her ailing father. 

The court hearing is slated to resume on May 20, 2024, following the completion of the psychiatric evaluation as ordered by the trial judge, amid continued contention surrounding Murja Kunya’s case.

By Mubarak Ibrahim Lawan

It is commonsensically understandable when Kano Hizba could not stage a daring raid on Fatima Ganduje’s wedding or that of powerful people. Their excuse is acceptable to good Muslims and every reasonable person. However, some dimwitted Islamophobic detractors of Islam, who hate or fear Muslims, Islamic politics or culture, will always scorn the Hizba.

From Malam Ibrahim Shekarau’s governance in Kano to date, Hizba has always been the first target of those Islamophobia-suffering people. When they were strong, Hizba succeeded in reducing prostitution, alcohol drinking, excesses of Kannywood actors and actresses and helped maintain order in Kano. It also provided means of livelihood to thousands then, just as KAROTA delivers now. And, since the second coming of Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the powers given to the Hizba during Malam Shekarau was drastically reduced. Politics is all to blame; we all know.

So why do those detractors of Islam choose to ignore this simple fact? Why do they ignore the capitalistic, autocratic Nigerian factor of “the rich/powerful is always right”? Why do they criticise when Hizba works, as when they burn crates of beer, and when the board fails? In that case, what do these detractors want? Similarly, why do we judge people and institutions by some few wrongs or some unavoidably uncontrollable wrongs and limitations? If Allah forgives the Hizba for being forced to overlook, then why can’t you?

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah has forgiven my nation for mistakes and forgetfulness, and WHAT THEY ARE FORCED TO DO.”

Similarly, “Allah burdens no soul beyond its capacity”. To its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. “Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, do not burden us as You have burdened those before us. Our Lord, do not impose on us more than we have the strength to bear; and pardon us, and forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us against the disbelieving people.”

Lastly, they arrested a prostitute, Sadiya Haruna, because they can arrest transgressors like her and alhamdulillah they did. Whoever has complaints should please take a lawyer for Sadiya. Finally, I pray may these Muslim detractors of Islam come to their senses before it is too late.

Mubarak Ibrahim Lawan writes from Kano.