Reports circulating on social media alleging that the Kano State Hisbah Board arrested a local government chairman and an associate in a hotel have been described as false and misleading.

The Director of Public Enlightenment of the board, Auwalu Ado Sheshe, explained in a statement that the report was fabricated to tarnish the image of the agency, Islam, and the people of Kano State.

The incident in question, the statement said, involved a raid on Stephrica Guest Palace Ltd. in the Kureken Sani area of Kumbotso Local Government Area, following complaints from residents about alleged immoral activities at the facility.

Sheshe explained, “The operation, led by Chief Superintendent of Hisbah, Hafizu Garba Adakawa, resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals, comprising 10 males and 11 females aged between 15 and 35.”

He added that the hotel manager, Chijioke Nweke, a staff member, and the owner, Asuzu Jeffrey, were also arrested during the raid, noting that the suspects were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 5 in Gyadi-Gyadi.

The statement said that the court sentenced them to one year’s imprisonment or an option of a N100,000 fine, while ordering the closure of the hotel for operating without official approval.

Fourteen of the offenders were handed three-month prison sentences each or given the option of a N30,000 fine.