Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Maihulla, has affirmed that no human rights violation has been recorded against the Sokoto Hisbah Corps.
Dr. Maihulla commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration for entrenching a model of inclusive governance and religious harmony, describing it as “a beacon for other states to emulate.”
He praised the governor’s leadership for promoting fairness, tolerance, and equitable development, noting that policies such as the payment of WAEC and NECO fees for all students regardless of state of origin, and empowerment initiatives for the poor, have strengthened social cohesion and unity across the state.
According to him, the administration’s developmental efforts are visible across both urban and rural areas, including road construction, healthcare facilities, and mosque renovations, all executed without discrimination.
The Commissioner also highlighted the state’s proactive crisis management approach, which involves religious leaders, traditional institutions, and security agencies working collaboratively to prevent communal or religious tensions before they escalate.
Speaking on the operations of the Hisbah Corps, Dr. Maihulla described the agency as a community-oriented moral guidance body committed to education, reconciliation, and respect for the rule of law.
“Our Hisbah is unarmed, properly trained, and deeply embedded within the community. Their duty is to counsel and educate. Enforcement only occurs after a clear legal breach and due process have been observed,” he stated.
He explained that the Hisbah operates under the supervision of a multi-agency oversight committee that includes representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police, Sultanate Council, and other security agencies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Dr. Maihulla added that recruitment into the Corps prioritises educated and service-driven individuals, with the initial batch of 230 personnel receiving training in human rights, due process, and community engagement, often in partnership with international organisations.
He further clarified that the Hisbah operates strictly within legal boundaries, particularly in handling cases involving contraband such as alcohol, and that officers are expressly forbidden from detaining suspects or administering physical punishment.
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