Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared the activities of Hisbah, an Islamic religious enforcement group, illegal in the state.
Gyang Bere, the governor’s director of press and public affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying Mutfwang had instructed security agencies to immediately stop the activities of a group allegedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
According to Bere, the directive followed reports of alleged intimidation, harassment, extortion and the enforcement of unauthorised rules on residents.
The governor warned individuals involved in such activities to stop or risk arrest and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
Mutfwang maintained that Plateau State operates under “one constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority”, stressing that no group would be permitted to exercise powers it had not been legally granted.
“No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State. The responsibility for enforcing the law belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law,” Mutfwang was quoted as saying.
Bere said the governor had also directed security agencies to identify and investigate those allegedly involved in the activities.
The directive, he added, extends to anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, assisting or supporting the group’s operations.
The governor clarified that the action was not targeted at any particular religion, ethnic group or community.
“The Governor wishes to make clear that this directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law,” he said.
Bere said Mutfwang appreciated residents who alerted the authorities to the reported activities and assured the public that his administration would continue to respond to credible security concerns.