The Kano State Government has issued an executive order proscribing a group operating under the name “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi”.

The order signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and dated December 8, 2025, said the government had uncovered ongoing recruitment, training, and mobilisation of youths into the group without lawful authority and in violation of the Kano State Hisbah Board Law.

Conveying the message while briefing journalists, the Commissioner of information and internal affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the Hisbah Board remains the only legally recognised institution empowered to coordinate Hisbah-related duties in the state.

The emergence of the parallel group, the government said, amounted to creating an unauthorised enforcement structure capable of undermining public peace and the statutory mandate of the Board.

“It shall not be lawful for any person or group of persons to recruit, assemble, mobilise, train or deploy any person for the purposes of operating a parallel Hisbah or similar enforcement outfit in the state,” the executive order read in part.

The governor also declared all activities of the group “unlawful, illegal and void,” warning that any impersonation of the Hisbah Board’s uniform, symbols or authority would be met with sanctions.

Governor Yusuf directed the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies to investigate the promoters of the group, halt all ongoing recruitment or training, and take necessary lawful measures to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The public was further notified that participating in, supporting, or affiliating with the proscribed group constitutes a violation of state laws. Individuals already recruited were advised to disengage and report to the nearest security formation, Hisbah office, or local government authority.

The order also outlines penalties for violators, including prosecution for unlawful assembly, impersonation of lawful authorities, and establishment of unauthorized security formations.

The executive directive takes immediate effect and is to be gazetted by the state government printer.