Hisbah Operates Within the Law in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Maihulla, has said that the Hisbah corps in the state carry out their duties strictly within the law and do not operate outside the authority of the courts.

According to him, before any enforcement action is taken, Hisbah officials must first obtain a court order. He explained that the corps is not a security agency but a moral guidance group working to maintain social order through dialogue and community enlightenment. Their focus, he said, is on education, reconciliation, and peacebuilding rather than coercion or force.

Dr. Maihulla noted that Hisbah officers are unarmed and operate in partnership with the police, DSS, and other security institutions. The body functions under a board that includes representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Sultanate Council, and the state’s security agencies to ensure transparency and lawful conduct.

He explained that Hisbah’s activities often involve moral education and community engagement. They handle disputes, promote peaceful living, and advise citizens on moral conduct. In cases involving sensitive matters such as alcohol or public disorder, Hisbah seeks court authorization before taking any action, ensuring every process remains legal and accountable.

The commissioner said the Sokoto State Government, under Governor Ahmad Aliyu, has strengthened the Ministry of Religious Affairs through funding, training, and new policies that encourage peaceful coexistence among residents. He noted that the ministry’s revival has improved interfaith harmony and provided support for Imams, clerics, and religious institutions across the state.

He described Governor Aliyu as a leader who promotes fairness and peace, adding that his administration’s focus on moral values and religious understanding has helped maintain stability. According to him, these efforts have rebuilt public confidence in governance and created a stronger sense of unity in the state.

Maihulla expressed optimism that the governor’s achievements, especially in moral reform and social order, will earn him public trust and support in future political contests. He added that the ministry remains committed to fostering mutual respect among all faiths and ensuring that Hisbah continues to operate within legal and ethical boundaries in Sokoto State.