Plateau Gov Declares Hisbah Activities Illegal, Orders Immediate Shutdown

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed security agencies to halt the activities of individuals allegedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the governor also ordered security authorities to identify and investigate those behind the reported activities, warning that anyone found to have violated the law could be arrested and prosecuted.

The directive was disclosed on Sunday by Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.

Bere said the decision followed reports that the individuals allegedly operating as Hisbah had been intimidating and harassing residents, demanding money and enforcing rules without lawful authority.

Mutfwang consequently instructed security agencies to prevent the group from continuing its operations and directed those involved to immediately desist.

The governor stressed that the enforcement of laws in Plateau State remained the responsibility of constitutionally recognised authorities, warning against the emergence of parallel structures of authority.

Mutfwang maintained that no individual or group had the right to assume governmental powers without legal backing, insisting that all enforcement actions must be carried out within the provisions of the law.

He said, “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.”

The governor further directed security agencies to investigate individuals allegedly involved in the reported activities, as well as anyone suspected of providing support to the group.

However, Mutfwang clarified that the directive was not targeted at any particular religion, ethnic group or community. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring equal protection for all residents of Plateau State regardless of their religious or ethnic background.

The governor also commended residents who brought the alleged activities to the attention of the authorities, assuring them that his administration would continue to respond to legitimate security concerns across the state.