Jigawa State's Governor Umar Namadi signed the Hisbah Board Bill into law on Tuesday, officially providing legal backing to the operations of the state's Islamic moral police force.
The move formalizes the powers and responsibilities of the Hisbah Board, which is tasked with enforcing Sharia law and promoting moral rectitude across the northwestern Nigerian state.
The newly enacted law grants the Hisbah Board explicit authority to promote good morals, prevent societal vices, and uphold Islamic injunctions within Jigawa. While the Hisbah corps have been operational in Jigawa and several other states across Nigeria's predominantly Muslim north for years, this legislation solidifies its legal standing and operational framework under state law.
Historical Context of Hisbah in Northern Nigeria
The concept of Hisbah, an Islamic institution responsible for "enjoining good and forbidding evil," gained significant prominence in Northern Nigeria following the reintroduction and expansion of Sharia law in several states starting around 1999 and 2000. These states, including Jigawa, Kano, Zamfara, and Kaduna, adopted broader interpretations of Islamic law, leading to the establishment of the Hisbah corps as a civilian moral police force.
These Hisbah groups typically operate under state government oversight, distinct from the federal Nigeria Police Force. Their activities have historically included monitoring adherence to Islamic dress codes, discouraging alcohol consumption, cracking down on prostitution and gambling, and intervening in disputes.
While proponents view Hisbah as essential for upholding religious values and maintaining social order, the groups have also faced criticism from human rights organizations and secularists over alleged overreach, enforcement methods, and conflicts with federal law enforcement agencies. Governor Namadi's signing of the bill underscores his administration's commitment to strengthening the Hisbah's role in Jigawa.
The move is expected to streamline the board's operations and provide a clearer legal mandate for its activities, potentially leading to more robust enforcement of its directives within the state.
