Plateau: Mutfwang declares ‘Hisbah’ activities illegal, orders arrest

By Polycarp Auta

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has ordered the arrest and prosecution of anyone found promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting activities of Hisbah, otherwise known as Sharia Police in the state.

Mutfwang said this while declaring activities of any group operating under the guise of Hisbah illegal in the state in a statement issued by Dr Gyang Bere, his Director of Press and Public Affairs, on Sunday in Jos.

The statement was issued followed reports that a group recently emerged in Jos North Local Government Area, allegedly conducting activities in the name of Hisbah.

Hisbah organisations operate legally in some northern states, including Kano, Katsina and Sokoto, where they endorced Sharia laws on Muslims and their activities have legal backing

But the Governor said Plateau would not permit any group to operate as a parallel security agency without lawful authorisation.

Mutfwang warned members of the group against harassment, extortion and imposing unlawful rules, saying offenders would face the full weight of the law.

“Government will not permit the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or group seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens.

“No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau,” he said.

Mutfwang said the responsibility for enforcing laws rested with constituted authorities operating within Nigeria’s legal framework.

He disclosed that he had directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and lawful operations to identify those involved.

He also directed the agencies to protect residents from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.

The governor stressed that the decision was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community, noting Plateau’s diverse population.

“Plateau remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Every Plateau resident is entitled to equal protection under the law,” he said.

Mutfwang said the matter concerned lawful conduct and legitimate authority, rather than religious or ethnic identity.

He maintained that every resident had the right to live, worship, work and conduct lawful businesses without interference from self-appointed authorities.

The governor directed security agencies to identify and investigate persons involved in the reported activities and prosecute those found culpable.

(NAN)