Jigawa Assembly Approves Powerful Hisbah Board Law—Here’s What It Means for Residents

By Achimi Muktar

In a move set to redefine moral policing in Jigawa State, the House of Assembly has officially passed a law establishing the Jigawa State Hisbah Board, replacing the Hisbah Advisory Committee Law of 2004.

The bill was adopted during plenary on Tuesday in Dutse after the House Committee on Religious Affairs, chaired by Abdu Ila-Muku (APC-Garki), presented its findings. Ila-Muku emphasized that the committee had engaged key stakeholders and gathered essential data to ensure the board’s effectiveness.

According to the committee, the new law will grant full legal backing to Hisbah operations, allowing the board to enhance neighborhood surveillance, crime detection, and moral enforcement across the state.

“This will not only strengthen Hisbah Guards but also help restore moral values, ensure peaceful coexistence, and promote religious tolerance,” Ila-Muku stated.

Following a third reading conducted by House Clerk Barrister Musa Abubakar, Speaker Haruna Aliyu officially passed the bill into law, expressing hope that it will positively impact morality and discipline among residents.

With this development, the Hisbah Board is expected to wield more authority in enforcing Islamic moral standards, raising questions about its implications for daily life and civil liberties in the state.