Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has formally reestablished the Sokoto State Hisbah Corps, cautioning members to operate within the law and avoid witch-hunting innocent citizens while carrying out their duties.
The governor issued this warning during the inauguration ceremony of the revived Hisbah Corps and the commissioning of its new State Secretariat in Sokoto.
Hisbah’s Role and Responsibilities
Addressing the corps, Gov. Aliyu emphasized that Hisbah must function in line with its legal mandate, ensuring that its activities do not violate fundamental human rights or Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
“I want to remind you that you must always respect human rights and operate strictly within the law,” the governor stated.
He further urged members of the corps to carry out their duties with fairness, justice, and the fear of Allah, stressing that their primary responsibility is to sanitize society by curbing acts deemed immoral or harmful.
Gov. Aliyu clarified that Hisbah will not replace conventional security agencies but will instead work alongside them to protect lives and property in the state. He noted that the board has legal backing and is authorized to arrest suspects and hand them over to the police for prosecution in Shari’a courts.
To strengthen Hisbah’s operations, the state government has provided patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and a well-equipped office, with plans to establish Hisbah offices at the local government level.
He called on residents of the state to support Hisbah in achieving its mission, assuring that the government will closely monitor the corps’ activities to ensure compliance with the law.
Sokoto’s Commitment to Religious Affairs
During the event, the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Mai-hula, highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Aliyu-led administration to promote Islamic values in Sokoto.
These include:
Construction of new mosques and Islamiyya schools and renovation of many others.
Provision of financial and food support to Imams, their deputies, and Muazzins.
Restoration of monthly allowances for religious leaders and scholars.
Introduction of financial support for Jumu’at mosques.
Furnishing and installation of solar-powered electricity in mosques across the state.
Support from Islamic Leaders
Prominent Islamic leaders and representatives from other states also attended the event.
Speaking on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto, the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended the governor for reviving Hisbah and urged Sokoto residents to cooperate with the corps.
Similarly, the Commander of the Kano State Hisbah Commission, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, encouraged Hisbah members to act within the law and maintain patience in their duties. He praised Gov. Aliyu for prioritizing Islamic values and said the reestablishment of Hisbah would help curb crime and immorality in the state.
Hisbah representatives from Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger States also expressed support for Sokoto’s renewed efforts to strengthen Islamic law enforcement.
The event concluded with Gov. Aliyu officially commissioning the Hisbah State Secretariat.
Public Reactions and Controversy
While the reestablishment of Hisbah has been welcomed by Islamic scholars and religious leaders, some civil rights groups and legal experts have raised concerns about potential human rights violations. Critics argue that previous experiences with Hisbah in some northern states led to abuses of power, particularly against women and marginalized groups.
However, Gov. Aliyu has assured residents that Hisbah’s activities will be strictly monitored to prevent any form of abuse or extrajudicial actions.
As Sokoto embarks on this renewed effort to promote morality and religious discipline, the effectiveness of the Hisbah Corps—and its ability to operate within the limits of the law—will be closely watched.