News
Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity
Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity
By Zagazola Makama
The brutal assault of a young woman, Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman, and her sisters at the Katsina Hisbah office on April 15 has triggered widespread outrage and drawn fresh attention to the conduct of the state’s religious enforcement agency.
Eyewitnesses say Hauwa’u had gone to the Hisbah office to inquire about relatives allegedly detained by the operatives. What began as a simple inquiry reportedly ended in violence, as she was assaulted by about 20 Hisbah personnel, resulting in serious injuries, including a fracture. Her sisters, who were present and pleaded with the operatives to stop the attack, were also allegedly beaten and subjected to degrading treatment.
The shocking incident has once again raised concerns over the operational methods and legal limitations of Hisbah in Katsina State. While the agency is mandated to enforce moral standards under Sharia principles, critics argue that its operatives often act outside the bounds of the Nigerian constitution and without adherence to due process.
Legal experts say that although Hisbah is legally recognized under state law, it remains obligated to operate within the confines of the Nigerian legal framework. The growing number of complaints about unlawful raids, arbitrary arrests, and use of physical punishment without judicial oversight has led to calls for a comprehensive review of its operations.
Civic groups and legal observers in Katsina cite this latest incident as part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses allegedly carried out by Hisbah. They allege that the agency disproportionately targets young people, women, and the poor under vague pretexts such as “immoral gatherings” or “suspicious behavior.”
The Katsina State Government has yet to issue an official response to the incident. However, increasing public pressure is mounting for a full-scale investigation and disciplinary actions against any operatives found culpable. The absence of formal law enforcement training, lack of investigative procedures, and limited understanding of suspects’ rights are being pointed out as contributing factors to Hisbah’s alleged misconduct.
In a related development, Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation of the assault, describing it as “lawless and callous.” The organization called on the Katsina State Government to immediately investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“Suspected Hisbah operatives that played a role in the assault on Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman and her sisters must be identified and tried for gross violation of human rights,” Amnesty said in a statement.
The human rights group also alleged that the Hisbah in Katsina has routinely violated citizens’ rights through illegal raids and arbitrary punishments, particularly targeting women and youths. It warned that the unchecked actions of the agency were fostering a climate of fear and impunity.
“Hisbah cannot operate outside of the law. Failure of the Katsina State Government to subject Hisbah to legal accountability breeds and perpetuates impunity, creating a toxic climate of fear,” Amnesty added.
As the dust settles on this disturbing incident, the state faces renewed demands for regulatory clarity, institutional reform, and justice for the victims. For many observers, this case could be a turning point in how religious law enforcement is balanced with the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.
Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Katsina Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade deployed at Yantumaki in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State have rescued a 30-year-old woman abducted by suspected terrorists during an early morning attack on the community.
Security sources said the troops responded swiftly after hearing gunshots from the outskirts of the town in the early hours of May 21.
According to the sources, the soldiers immediately mobilised to the area where frightened residents informed them that the terrorists had abducted a woman identified as Mrs Abida Rufai and escaped into the surrounding bush.
The troops were said to have trailed the attackers along their withdrawal route and subsequently engaged them in a gun duel.
Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the terrorists reportedly abandoned the victim and fled into the bush.
Mrs Rufai was thereafter rescued unharmed and safely reunited with her family amid relief and excitement from members of the community.
Military authorities said troops have continued aggressive patrols and domination operations within the general area to forestall further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Katsina Community
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected impostor who allegedly posed as a personnel of the Nigerian Navy in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources disclosed that the arrest followed a report concerning the activities of a suspicious individual identified as Mohammed Auwal at Grovos Hotel, Apata area of Jos North.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the intelligence report at about 2:56 p.m. on May 23 and apprehended the suspect at the hotel premises.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly claimed to be a serving naval personnel, prompting security concerns and further scrutiny by the troops.
The suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to ascertain his identity, motive and possible involvement in other unlawful activities.
Security authorities have continued to warn members of the public against impersonation of military and security personnel, describing such acts as criminal offences capable of undermining public trust and security operations.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies for necessary action.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Jos
Senegal President sacks Prime Minister Sonko, dissolves government amid growing tensions
By: Zagazola Makama
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the country’s government following months of growing political tensions between the two leaders.
The decision was announced late Friday through a presidential decree broadcast on state television.
According to the decree read by a presidential aide, President Faye “ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government.”
No immediate replacement for Sonko was announced as of the time of filing this report.
The dismissal followed a parliamentary session earlier in the week during which Sonko openly criticised President Faye, further exposing divisions within the ruling political establishment.
Political observers said relations between the two leaders had deteriorated in recent months over issues relating to party leadership, governance direction and the management of state affairs.
Analysts noted that the development could introduce fresh political uncertainty in Senegal at a time the country is facing mounting economic pressures, including rising public debt and broader fiscal challenges.
The dissolution of the government is expected to trigger consultations within the ruling coalition ahead of the appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet.
Senegal has long been regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, but recent political tensions have continued to attract regional and international attention.
Senegal President sacks Prime Minister Sonko, dissolves government amid growing tensions
Troops intensify anti-bandit operations in Katsina, neutralise terrorist
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Katsina Community
Troops Foil Mob Action Against Customs Officer in Katsina after reckless shooting of local
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics12 months ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
