An investigation committee was set up by the Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Umar, to look into a viral video circulating on social media that purportedly shows individuals being tortured by Hisbah personnel.
Recent activities of the Katsina State Hisbah Board have sparked concerns among residents, who accuse them of acting in an anti-social manner and violating people’s rights across the state.
According to findings by PUNCH Online, a tragic incident occurred in Katsina metropolis on May 5, 2024, during a joint operation by Hisbah and the Community Watch Corps at a wedding ceremony. The operation escalated into violence when security forces fired shots into the crowd, resulting in the death of Mallam Gambo Maipaci, a middle-aged vulcanizer.
Speaking to PUNCH Online, an eyewitness named Mohammed Musa recounted, “Immediately after the Hisbah and CWC personnel arrived, they began shooting, and others armed with knives were seen chasing the crowd. A bullet struck Mallam Gambo, the vulcanizer, who was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Since its establishment during Radda’s administration, Hisbah has constantly violated our rights.”
The committee, inaugurated on behalf of the Acting Governor by the Secretary to the Katsina State government, Abdullahi Faskari, has a mandate to investigate the authenticity of the viral video depicting alleged torture by Hisbah personnel. Other tasks include examining the Hisbah Board’s legislation for any shortcomings that may lead to human rights violations, identifying individuals within Hisbah involved in victimization and torture, and recommending appropriate sanctions.
The committee is expected to deliver its report within 10 days from its inauguration. The chairperson will be the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Aliyu Zakari, with other members comprising Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Justice, Internal Security, and Home Affairs, among others.