The Kano State Censorship Board has suspended 22 Hausa film series for allegedly violating the board’s guidelines, which require all films to be censored before public release. This action is a strategic move to ensure strict adherence to regulations and uphold professionalism within the Kannywood industry. The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Censorship Board, Abba El-Mustapha, issued the directive following a management meeting and due consultations.

According to a statement issued by the Board’s Information Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the affected film series include: Dakin Amarya, Mashahuri, Gidan Sarauta, Wasiyya, Tawakkaltu, Mijina, Wani Zamani, Labarina, Mallaka, Kudin Ruwa, Boka Ko Malam, Wayasan Gobe, Rana Dubu, Manyan Mata, Fatake, Gwarwashi, Jamilun Jiddan, Shahadar Nabila, Dadin Kowa, Tabarmar, Kishiyata, and Rigar Aro.

The board has emphasized that the law empowers it to censor all films intended for production, marketing, streaming, or broadcasting, and to regulate all related stakeholders within and outside Kano State. All producers or owners of the suspended films are instructed to cease streaming or airing their content on television or the internet and to submit their productions to the Board for censorship approval within one week, starting from Monday, 19th May 2025 to 25th May, 2025, to avoid legal consequences.

The board has called on all TV stations and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to support its efforts to ensure compliance and to help advance the Kannywood industry in line with its development goals. The suspension took immediate effect because the affected series were released or aired without undergoing the mandatory censorship procedures required by law.