By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Advocacy for Human Rights and Cultural Values for Development Initiative AHRCVDI, has slammed the planned establishment of a private Shariah Police (Hisbah) in Kano State, describing it as a veritable invitation to anarchy , chaos and violence.
This is as the body insisted that the action is not a religious initiative but a dangerous political gambit with the potential to plunge the ever volatile Kano into unprecedented crisis.
The Source reports that the group’s alarm bell is tolling against the backdrop of allegedl plans by the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to set up a 12,000-strong alternate private Hisbah outfit to assist in combating the emerging insurgency in the commercial hub of the Northern region.
Ganduje, who was also the immediate past Governor of Kano state allegedly made known his intention in the wake of the unusual terrorism activities in some parts of Kano North Senatorial District , particularly Bagwai, Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Councils.
The three Local Government Areas which are bordering Katsina State have been at the receiving end of terrorist attacks, with many killed, and several others abducted in the last one month.
On a sympathy and solidarity visit to Tsanyawa Local Council about three weeks ago, Ganduje was said to have assured the people of swift Intervention with the establishment of a private Shariah Police, despite the existence of the Kano State Hisbah Commission.
Although the promised Security Initiative has since set the Kano State authorities and the former National Chairman of the APC on a collision cause, the latter appears resolute in going ahead with the project in the face of what he perceives as the lackadaisical attitude of the state Government in the face of the disturbing trend of insecurity in the state of late.
But in a statement issued on Tuesday December 9, 2025, by its Executive Director Comrade Sambo Jibril Jada, AHRCVDI, while condemning the planned security initiative known as “Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi” questioned the real motives behind such a project in a State where there is already a functional state-controlled Hisbah outfit.
The group expressed serious concern that the initiative is greatly burdened by political baggages,which render it very suspicious and potentially dangerous for the peace and stability of the State.
According to the body, it is clear attempt by some vested political interests to undermine existing political and legal authorities in Kano State.
“This action reportedly spearheaded by former state officials is a brazen, and reckless attempt to create an illegal parallel security and moral policing architecture outside the constitutional and legal framework of Kano state.
“It constitutes a direct assault on the State,the authority of its elected Government and the rule of law.
“We view this development not as a religious initiative, but as a dangerous political gambit with the potential to plunge Kano State into unprecedented chaos.
“The establishment of a rival enforcement body undermines the legally recognized Hisbah Commission, creates confusion among citizens, and sows the seeds for possible violent conflicts between groups claiming authority.
“Our core concerns are as follows:
“Threat to public order and security: The creation of this group is an act of sabotage against the peace and security of Kano .
“It invites anarchy by promoting multiple, competing centres of enforcement power.
“Violation of the rule of law: No individual or group , regardless of their former status is above the law .
“This initiative appears to have no legal backing from the current Kano State House of Assembly or the Executive rendering it an illegitimate and unlawful association.
“High risk of human rights abuses: Unregulated and unaccountable vigilante groups inevitably lead to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and the violation of citizens fundamental rights without due process or recourse”, Jada stated.
This is as the body urged the Kano State Government, Security Agencies particularly the Police and all other relevant authorities to take all lawful steps to stop the initiative..
According to them , allowing the initiative to proceed will set a very dangerous precedence to the effect that political figures can create personal militias, a development which they perceive to be a direct threat to the country’s democracy, as well as the safety of citizens.
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