The Kano State Censorship Board has suspended 22 popular Hausa film series for allegedly violating its regulatory guidelines, in a move aimed at enforcing compliance and maintaining professionalism within the Kannywood film industry.
In a statement released by the board’s Information Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the Executive Secretary, Abba El-Mustapha, ordered the suspension following a management meeting and thorough consultations.
Among the affected series are Labarina, Dadin Kowa, Manyan Mata, Garwashi, Jamilun Jidda, and Gidan Sarauta. Others include Dakin Amarya, Mashahuri, Wasiyya, Tawakkaltu, Mijina, Wani Zamani, Mallaka, Kudin Ruwa, Boka Ko Malam, Wayasan Gobe, Rana Dubu, Fatake, Shahadar Nabila, Tabarma, Kishiyata, and Rigar Aro.
The board emphasized its legal mandate to censor all films prior to production, distribution, streaming, or broadcast, both within and outside Kano State. Producers and owners of the suspended series have been instructed to halt all online and television broadcasts and submit their content for censorship approval between May 19 and May 25, 2025, or face legal action.
This development comes as the Kannywood industry increasingly shifts toward producing serialized content, largely distributed via YouTube and select TV stations, in response to evolving market dynamics and revenue challenges.