The Katsina State government has established a seven-member committee to investigate allegations of torture by personnel of the state’s Hisbah Board.
This move follows the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing Hisbah officials torturing individuals.
Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, the Secretary to the State Government, announced the decision, which was prompted by numerous reports and complaints received by the government. Acting Governor Faruk Lawal-Jobe directed the formation of the committee to probe the allegations and provide recommendations.
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Garba-Faskari revealed that the committee will be led by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Alhaji Aliyu Lawal. The committee members include representatives from the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Internal Security, and Justice, the Department of Public Service Administration, and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The Director of Security in the SSG office will serve as the committee’s secretary.
The committee’s mandate is to verify the authenticity of the alleged torture by Hisbah personnel and investigate other claims of victimization and torture. Additionally, the committee will review the law establishing the Hisbah Board to identify any lapses that may lead to human rights violations.
“The committee is tasked with making recommendations based on their findings, identifying Hisbah personnel involved in victimization and torture, and suggesting appropriate sanctions,” Garba-Faskari stated.
The committee has been given a deadline of 10 days to submit its report.
Hisbah boards were established in many of the northern states of Nigeria following the introduction of Sharia law in the early 2000s.
The Hisbah corps, operating under the Hisbah Board, includes government officials, religious leaders, and enforcement agents. Their operations are highly decentralized, with local units supervised by committees composed of officials and community members.
