A group of Kano lawyers has petitioned President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu over what they describe as an attempt by former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s foundation to establish a parallel Hisbah police force in the state.
In the petition, signed by Usman Imam Tudun Wazirichi and Rita Benedict of the National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers, the group warned that recruiting a private Hisbah-style security outfit poses serious risks to peace and could destabilize Kano for political reasons.
The lawyers alleged that the move could inflame religious tensions and undermine the authority of the official Hisbah Board and the state government. They said recent disturbances in parts of Kano suggest efforts to “manufacture insecurity” and that creating private religious security bodies could provide cover for extremists or criminal elements.
They urged the President to intervene urgently, warning that the situation, if unchecked, could escalate into large-scale insecurity similar to what has been seen in Borno and Zamfara. They also noted that they may escalate the matter to international bodies if no action is taken.
The Ganduje Foundation is reportedly recruiting 12,000 members for an “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillah” group. Baffa DanAgundi, former head of KAROTA, defended the initiative as voluntary and non-political, saying it was aimed at creating opportunities for those affected by reforms in the official Hisbah Board.
But the lawyers countered that security is a constitutional function of government and cannot be privatized or driven by political interests. They cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of citizens are the primary purpose of government.
