Sokoto Governor Restores Hisbah, Cautions against Human Rights Violation
Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has re-established the state Hisbah Commission and inaugurated its headquarters with a stern warning to personnel to respect citizens’ fundamental human rights while remaining focused and steadfast in their duties.
At the inauguration, the governor emphasised that the activities of the commission would be closely monitored to prevent misconduct, intimidation or harassment of citizens.
The Hisbah’s operations had suffered setbacks in the past due to neglect by the previous administrations.
Speaking at the event on Thursday evening, Governor Aliyu outlined the motive for reviving the Hisbah: to promote Islamic norms, culture, morals, discipline and values in line with Islamic tenets, societal re-orientation, and peace building.
“Islam abhors satanic behaviours and attitudes in all their forms,” he said, adding “Hisbah will be encouraged to rid the state of social vices driven by negative morals and attitudes. Promoting religious activities is a cornerstone of my administration’s nine-point agenda.”
“I will continue to give religious affairs the attention they deserve to rid the state of wanton social activities. Hisbah is not a state police force but an organised body established to sanitise Muslims in the state,” the governor stressed.
The governor clarified that the Hisbah would not rival conventional security agencies. “Any arrests made by Hisbah will be handed over to the respective security agency for onward prosecution in a court of law.”
He assured that operational vehicles, motorcycles, and monthly cash allocations would be consistently provided to support the commission.
“Plans are also underway to establish Hisbah offices at the local government level to expand grassroots operations.
“Competent individuals have been appointed to oversee the commission’s operations, ensuring adherence to the law,” the governor noted.
The state Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Maihula, highlighted that the revival of Hisbah under the ministry’s coordination aims to uphold ethical principles and strengthen societal morals in line with Islamic values. He commended the governor’s leadership for promoting social sanity and empowering religious institutions to fulfill their mandates.
“This is an example of responsive leadership,” Maihula said, stressing that “It will help achieve the highest standards of morality, harmony, and societal sanity.”
He also noted that within two years, the state government had demonstrated its commitment to executing capital projects that support Islamic activities such as constructing and renovating mosques, maintaining cemeteries, and implementing welfare and empowerment programmes.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Waziri Sokoto Sambo Wali Junaidu, welcomed the revival of Hisbah. He emphasised its potential to promote moral sanity and strengthen citizens’ faith for societal benefit.
Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, a guest speaker from Kano, praised the governor’s initiative, calling it timely and necessary. He urged Hisbah personnel to conduct their duties with patience, wisdom, and respect for the law.
Hisbah commanders from Niger, Katsina, and Zamfara states—Muhammad Bello Musa, Dr. Aminu Usman, and Sheikh Umar Hassan Gusau, respectively—also commended the Sokoto State Government for reviving the body.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; former Deputy Governor Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo; Ambassador Sahabi Isa Gada; and Sadaukin Sokoto, Alhaji Lawal Maidoki, alongside members of the executive council, local government chairmen, politicians, and Islamic scholars.
The highlight of the ceremony was the decoration of Dr. Usman Jatau as the Sokoto State Hisbah Commander, and an inspection of the new Hisbah headquarters by the governor.
