The group warned that the move, allegedly orchestrated by former state officials loyal to Ganduje, poses an existential threat to public order in Kano, violates the Constitution, and could plunge the state into unprecedented chaos.
The Advocacy for Human Rights and Cultural Values for Development Initiative (AHRCVDI) has condemned what it describes as a dangerous and illegal attempt by associates of former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to establish a parallel moral-policing structure named “Hisba Independent Fisabilillahi.”
The group warned that the move, allegedly orchestrated by former state officials loyal to Ganduje, poses an existential threat to public order in Kano, violates the Constitution, and could plunge the state into unprecedented chaos.
AHRCVDI said the attempt to float a rival enforcement outfit amounts not to a religious intervention but to a reckless political gambit designed to challenge the authority of the elected government and sabotage the peace of the state.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its Management Team, expressed alarm that a parallel security or morality-enforcement framework was being created outside the purview of the Kano State Hisbah Commission, which remains the only entity legally recognized by law.
The rights group described the move as a direct assault on the sovereignty of Kano State and warned that allowing two rival Hisbah-like forces to operate simultaneously could spark dangerous clashes between competing groups claiming authority.
The organisation said, "We view this development not as a religious initiative but as a dangerous political gambit with the potential to plunge Kano State into unprecedented chaos. The establishment of a rival enforcement body undermines the legally recognized Hisbah Commission, creates confusion among citizens, and sows the seeds for possible violent conflict between groups claiming authority.
"Our core concerns are as follows: Threat to Public Order and Security: The creation of this group is an act of sabotage against the peace and security of Kano State. It invites anarchy by promoting multiple, competing centers of enforcement power.
"Violation of the Rule of Law: No individual or group, regardless of their former status, is above the law. This initiative appears to have no legal backing from the current Kano State House of Assembly or the Executive, rendering it an illegitimate and unlawful association.
"High Risk of Human Rights Abuses: Unregulated and unaccountable vigilante groups inevitably lead to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and the violation of citizens' fundamental rights without due process or recourse."
AHRCVDI called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to issue an immediate public declaration branding the factional Hisba group illegal.
It also urged the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to intervene quickly by halting the operations of the group, arresting its promoters, and probing its funding sources and true motives.
The organisation also appealed to Kano residents to remain law-abiding and resist any attempts at recruitment or coercion by the controversial group.
They said, "We call on the Kano State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to immediately issue a strong public statement declaring this group illegal and ordering its cessation.
"We call on the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and all relevant security agencies in Kano State to swiftly intervene. They must stop the operationalization of this group, arrest its promoters for questioning, and investigate the full motives and funding behind this destabilizing project.
"We urge the good people of Kano State to remain law-abiding, recognize only the duly constituted state authorities, and reject any attempts to be recruited into or coerced by this illegitimate body."
The rights group warned that giving room for such structures sets a dangerous precedent where political actors can create personal militias under religious guises, undermining democracy and threatening citizens’ safety.
AHRCVDI said it will continue monitoring developments and is prepared to take legal and advocacy actions to safeguard peace and constitutional order in Kano State.
"Nobody is above the law. Allowing this group to proceed sets a dangerous precedent that political figures can create personal militias, which is a direct threat to our democracy and the safety of every citizen.
"We will be monitoring this situation closely and are prepared to take further legal and advocacy measures to preserve peace and constitutional order in Kano State," they added.