On Tuesday, Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Umar, inaugurated a committee to investigate a viral social media video allegedly depicting the torture of individuals by Hisbah personnel.
The activities of the Katsina State Hisbah Board have recently been criticized by residents, who label them as anti-social and an infringement on their rights.
A YEPSNG investigation revealed that on May 5, 2024, a joint operation by Hisbah and Community Watch Corps at a wedding in Katsina metropolis turned violent. The security forces fired shots into the crowd, resulting in the tragic death of Mallam Gambo Maipaci, a middle-aged vulcanizer.
Eyewitness Mohammed Musa recounted, “Immediately after Hisbah and CWC arrived, they started shooting. Those armed with knives were also seen chasing the crowd. In the chaos, a bullet hit Mallam Gambo, who later died at a nearby hospital. Hisbah has been infringing on our rights ever since its establishment by Radda’s administration.”
Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, outlined the committee’s terms of reference on behalf of the Acting Governor. The committee is tasked with investigating the authenticity of the viral video alleging torture by Hisbah personnel, examining other allegations of victimization and torture, reviewing the law establishing the Hisbah Board to identify any lapses leading to human rights violations, identifying the personnel involved, and recommending appropriate sanctions.
The committee, chaired by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Aliyu Zakari, includes Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Justice, Internal Security, and Home Affairs, among others. The committee is expected to submit its report within 10 days from its inauguration.