By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
Governor Ahmed Aliyu has officially inaugurated the Sokoto State Hisbah Corps, urging members to avoid witch-hunting innocent citizens while carrying out their duties.
The inauguration, which also marked the commissioning of the Hisbah Corps State Secretariat, took place amid calls for adherence to the law. Governor Aliyu reminded the Corps members that they must operate within the legal framework established for their role and respect citizens’ fundamental human rights.
“I urge you to always work within the ambit of the law and have the fear of Allah in your hearts as you carry out your assignments. Your primary goal is to sanitize society from sinful and harmful behaviors that attract consequences in the sight of Allah,” Governor Aliyu stated.
He clarified that the Hisbah Corps was not intended to replace conventional security forces but to complement them in maintaining law and order. The Corps is empowered by law to make arrests and hand suspects over to the police for prosecution before a Shari’a Court.
Governor Aliyu assured that the state government would continue to monitor the activities of the Hisbah Corps to ensure compliance with its laws. He also emphasized the provision of essential resources, including patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and office accommodation for the Corps, with plans to establish local government offices soon.
In his address, the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Mai-hula, highlighted the administration’s efforts in promoting Islamic affairs, including the construction and renovation of mosques, the provision of assistance to Imams and Islamic scholars, and the installation of solar-powered electricity in mosques.
The representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended Governor Aliyu for the Hisbah initiative and called for public support to help the Corps achieve its objectives.
Renowned Islamic scholar and Commander of the Kano State Hisbah Commission, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, encouraged the Corps to operate within the law and exercise patience in their duties. He also praised Governor Aliyu for his leadership in re-establishing the Hisbah Corps, noting that it would contribute to reducing crime and sinful behavior in society.
The event was attended by representatives from the Hisbah Boards of Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger states, all of whom applauded Governor Aliyu for his foresight in re-establishing the Hisbah in Sokoto.
The highlight of the event was the commissioning of the Hisbah State Secretariat by Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
