Governor Mutfwang Declares Hisbah Activities Illegal in Plateau

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has declared the activities of any group operating under the guise of Hisbah illegal within the state. This announcement follows reports of a group in Jos North Local Government Area conducting activities in the name of Hisbah, a Sharia enforcement body.

In a statement issued by Dr. Gyang Bere, the governor's Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mutfwang emphasized that no individual or group has the authority to appoint itself as a parallel security agency without lawful authorization. He warned against harassment, extortion, and imposing unlawful rules, stating that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

The governor directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering to identify those involved and to protect residents from intimidation and unlawful coercion. He stressed that this decision is not targeted at any religion, ethnic group, or community, noting Plateau's diverse population.

Mutfwang reiterated that every resident has the right to live, worship, work, and conduct lawful businesses without interference from self-appointed authorities. He ordered the arrest and prosecution of anyone found promoting, sponsoring, aiding, or abetting the unlawful activities.

This move underscores the state's commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that enforcement of laws remains the responsibility of constituted authorities operating within Nigeria's legal framework.