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By Oscar Okhifo
The Kano State Hisbah Board has dismissed as false reports alleging that it arrested a local government chairman during a recent hotel raid in Kano, insisting that no such incident occurred.
In a statement issued on Friday in Kano, the Board’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Auwalu Sheshe, described the report as “fabricated to tarnish the image of the agency, Islam, and the people of Kano State.”
He explained that the incident in question involved a raid on Stephrica Guest Palace Ltd., located in the Kureken Sani area of Kumbotso Local Government Area, following complaints from residents over alleged immoral activities at the facility.
“The operation, led by the 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 said.
He added that “the hotel manager, Chijioke Nweke, a staff member, and the owner, Asuzu Jeffrey, were also arrested during the raid.”
According to him, the suspects were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 5 in Gyadi-Gyadi, where the court sentenced them to one-year imprisonment or an option of a ₦100,000 fine, while also ordering the closure of the hotel for operating without official approval.
“In addition, 14 of the offenders were handed three-month prison sentences each or an option of a ₦30,000 fine,” he added.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the application of Sharia law in some northern states, a situation that has continued to unsettle many, particularly where non-Muslims are subjected to trial processes and sanctions.
The board, however, reiterated its resolve to continue addressing misconduct and enforcing moral standards in the state, while also urging parents to properly guide and monitor their children.