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
NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality
The Group Chairman Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga has restated the NGX’s commitment to gender equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation.
Kwairanga stated this in Lagos on Tuesday while delivering his welcome address on the occasion of the closing ceremony in honour of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who visited the floor of the Nigerian Exchange.
He stated that the Nigerian Exchange Group as an organisation remained committed to inclusiveness that drive growth and development at all levels of the NGX’s dealings.
He stated that through such inclusive representation, the NGX has achieved near parity at the board levels of the organisation and was working to improve the representation of female employees down the line.
“As an institution committed to sustainable growth and practices, we recognise the important qualities and values that women bring to the workplace and know that they perform just as well, if not better than men.
“It is a tradition in finance and investment that can be traced to the origins of the banking, finance and investment professions when most of the trade guilds that evolved into those professions were largely composed of men.
“The tradition has persisted for hundreds of years but despite that nomenclature, let me assure you that the investment and securities sector is very welcoming to and open to city gentlemen who are female.
“Women are very well represented at all levels of our industry and I can confide in you that the next President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers is going to be a woman,” he said.
Kwairanga stated that the NGX would partner with the Ministry to accelerate progress for women’s rights and improve the lot of female gender across the country.
He commended Sulaiman-Ibrahim for her several bold and innovative initiatives that would have positive impact on women and the country as a whole.
NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality
Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 Operation Wirld Stroke deployed at FOB Bilawa-Jor conducted a fighting patrol within Mbapa and Mbabuande general areas on March 23, 2026.
During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists, neutralizing one suspect while others fled.
Following a pursuit, four additional suspects were apprehended and are currently in the custody of security forces for further investigation and prosecution.
In a similar development the troops
recovered a vehicle carrying two cows abandoned by suspected cattle rustlers in Uhemba.
The incident occurred at about 0348hrs on March 24, 2026, when the troops responded to intelligence reports of rustling activities in the area.
Upon the arrival of troops, the suspects fled, leaving behind the vehicle and livestock.
The recovered vehicle and cows are now in the custody of the troops for further investigation and legal action.
Military continue to urge the public to provide timely information on criminal activities to support ongoing security efforts.
Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA
Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have neutralized a suspected terrorist during a fighting patrol at Odoape–Adankolo Forest in Kabba/Bunu LGA.
The encounter occurred at about 1400hrs on March 23, 2026, when the patrol team made contact with the fleeing suspect.
Preliminary investigation identified the neutralized individual as a notorious terrorist involved in providing intelligence and targets for kidnappings, as well as participating in cattle rustling and supplying logs to terrorist groups.
The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols and intelligence-led operations to curb criminal activities and protect residents in the area.
Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA
NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality
General Chris Musa, Hi-tech Fencing of Nigerian Porous Borders and the Foolish Pride of Sowore
Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA
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