Operatives of the Zamfara State Hisbah Commission have clashed with police officers in Gusau following allegations that the officers were involved in taking women to hotels, an act the Hisbah Commission deems immoral under the state’s Sharia law.
Sheikh Umar Hassan Gusau, the Executive Chairman of the Hisbah Commission, addressed the media through his Director of Operations, Lawal Abubakar Maradun, explaining that the police had repeatedly been advised to cease such behavior but had continued to engage in what the Hisbah considers unlawful acts.
“Our men confronted some officers on Monday after catching them with women in hotels. This led to a confrontation that eventually brought us to the State Police headquarters,” Maradun stated.
The Hisbah operatives claim that when they arrest police officers in such situations, the officers typically identify themselves, but the women involved are unable to provide any identification. Maradun added that although the women are arrested for alleged prostitution, they are given a warning and informed that a second offense would lead to prosecution.
“These police officers, who are supposed to be law enforcers, are instead breaking the law,” Maradun lamented, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Sharia principles, as Zamfara operates as a Sharia state. “We will warn the women and urge them to desist from these illegal acts. However, should they be arrested again, they will face prosecution.”
Maradun noted that the officers involved in the incident were junior personnel and that no senior security officers had been implicated in such acts. The clash eventually escalated to the State Police Command headquarters, where the Police Commissioner, Muhammad Dalija, was made aware of the situation.
According to Maradun, the Police Commissioner condemned the actions of the officers involved and cautioned them to refrain from such immoral behavior. “The Police Commissioner has assured us that these officers will be dealt with, and he has warned them to desist from such acts,” Maradun added.
Despite the tensions between the two agencies, Maradun affirmed that there is a mutual understanding between the Hisbah Commission and senior security officers in the state. He highlighted the success of the Hisbah’s recent efforts, including the arrest of over 200 youths for drug abuse, many of whom have already been prosecuted after receiving multiple warnings.
The Hisbah Commission operates with the authority to arrest, detain, and prosecute individuals who violate Sharia law, and Maradun made it clear that while offenders are given a chance to reform, repeated offenses will lead to legal action.
“The Hisbah Commission will continue to uphold the Sharia laws of the state, and offenders will be held accountable,” Maradun concluded.
