Plateau State Governor Cracks Down: Hisbah Operations Banned Amidst Morality Police Controversy

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared the activities of a group reportedly operating under the name Hisba in parts of Jos North Local Government Area as illegal, unauthorized, and unacceptable. The Governor has ordered security agencies to immediately halt its operations, investigate persons allegedly involved, and prosecute those found culpable in accordance with Nigerian law.

This directive, issued on Sunday, follows numerous reports that the Hisba group had allegedly been involved in intimidation, harassment, extortion, and the imposition of unauthorized rules and restrictions on residents. Governor Mutfwang emphasized that Plateau State operates under one constitution, one legal system, and one legitimate authority, unequivocally stating that no individual or group has the power to assume governmental or law-enforcement responsibilities not legally conferred upon it.

The governor stressed that his administration would not permit the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body, or group seeking to impose rules, restrictions, or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework. He reiterated that the sole responsibility for enforcing the law rests with duly constituted authorities acting within the confines of the law. Security agencies have been directed to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to identify and investigate all individuals involved, including those found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding, or abetting these reported activities. Furthermore, the security agencies are mandated to protect residents from intimidation, harassment, extortion, and other forms of unlawful coercion.

Reacting to the governor’s directive, Dan Manjang, a former Plateau State Commissioner for Information, described the action as "timely, necessary, and commendable." Mr. Manjang urged that the issue should be viewed not through the prism of religion, ethnicity, or community, but as a critical matter of lawful authority, public order, and the protection of citizens’ rights. He asserted that in a constitutional democracy, no individual or group can arrogate to itself powers that belong exclusively to the duly constituted authorities of the State. He further warned that allowing self-appointed groups to exercise powers reserved for the government could significantly undermine state authority and create competing centers of power.

Mr. Manjang also welcomed the governor’s clarification that the directive was not aimed at any specific religion, ethnic group, or community. He reaffirmed that Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law and the right to live, worship, and conduct lawful business freely, provided their activities remain within legal boundaries. He concluded by urging residents to support the enforcement of the governor’s directive, emphasizing that the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law must remain non-negotiable for a peaceful and orderly society.