Plateau State Governor Bans Unauthorized Hisbah Operations in Jos

Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has ordered security agencies to dismantle unauthorized groups operating as Hisbah in Jos North. The governor declared these activities illegal, stating that no entity has the authority to enforce religious rules or exercise police powers outside of Nigeria’s established legal system. The directive follows reports that individuals were intimidating residents, imposing restrictions, and demanding money under the guise of moral enforcement.

Governor Mutfwang has instructed law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute those involved in these operations, as well as any individuals found to be sponsoring or facilitating them. He emphasized that the state operates under a single constitution and that all law enforcement responsibilities remain with duly constituted authorities. The governor clarified that this crackdown is not directed at any specific religion or ethnic group, but is intended to protect citizens from harassment and coercion.

This action occurs against a backdrop of ongoing religious and security tensions in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. While officially recognized Hisbah bodies operate under state legislation in several northern Nigerian states, the Plateau government maintains that no such authorization exists for the groups currently active in Jos.