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
News
21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed
21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed
By: Zagazola Makama
At least twenty-one passengers were rescued unhurt following coordinated attacks by armed bandits on multiple vehicles along Kogi State highways on Thursday, while two security personnel were confirmed dead during the ensuing rescue operations.
Sources reported that about 100 armed bandits attacked a Toyota Siena with registration number YAB 968 AX traveling from Oshogbo to Kaduna, a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) conveying passengers from Owo, Ondo State to Abuja.
Another Toyota Hiace (GKP 178 XA) from Abuja to Ekiti State, a Toyota Carina (JMU 648 AA) from Lokoja to Kabba, a Dangote truck transporting 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus (FTA 313 XV) carrying bags of pepper from Kano to Lagos.
The attacks occurred around 2:00 p.m., leaving passengers vulnerable to abduction.
A joint rescue operation involving the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Quick Response Units (QRU), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps vigilantes, local hunters, and other security operatives swiftly engaged the bandits in a gun duel.
The operation successfully secured the release of 21 passengers, including men, women, and infants. Rescued passengers include Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi Ajayi, Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima Joseph, Nanko Joseph, Enenche Paulina, Bright Enenche, Rachael Enenche, Deborah Enenche (9 days old), Bukola Clement, Toyin Clement, Glory Clement, Faith Clement, Peter Olawale, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and J5 bus.
Tragically, one soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape lost their lives during the exchange of fire. Their identities are yet to be confirmed.
Rescue operations are ongoing to track down any remaining abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Communities along the highways remain on high alert following the attacks, highlighting the continued threat of organized banditry in Kogi State.
The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between military, vigilante, and local security forces in responding to large-scale armed bandit attacks, although the loss of personnel underscores the dangers faced by security operatives during such missions.
21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed
Kogi communities reeling as fleeing bandits from Kwara kill four
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of several Kogi State communities are counting their losses after fleeing armed bandits from Kwara State, displaced by ongoing military clearance operations, stormed the area on Thursday morning, leaving four men dead.
According to local sources, the attackers, travelling on motorcycles, entered Kogi through bush paths from Patigi in Kwara State and moved through Bunu and Kiri communities, firing indiscriminately.
The victims included Dare Olorunfemi, 34, of Ihale community; John (surname unknown), 33, of Taki area; Abdul Siworo, 33, of Ike area; and Oladele Samuel, 25, of Ayetoro-Kiri community.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits, heavily armed and in large numbers, continued towards the Kakanda/Ankumi forest in Obajana, Lokoja Local Government Area, leaving the communities in shock and fear.
intelligence sources suggesting that the attackers have taken refuge around Masalacin Boka area.
Residents described the tension as “palpable,” urging urgent intervention to dislodge the bandits before they consolidate in the forests.
The incident illustrated the ripple effect of security operations in neighbouring states, as armed groups displaced by military offensives migrate and wreak havoc on adjacent communities, threatening livelihoods and local stability.
Efforts to safeguard the affected communities and prevent further attacks are ongoing by security forces.
Kogi communities reeling as fleeing bandits from Kwara kill four
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police have reportedly arrested four suspected kidnappers and their informants following the abduction of ten persons between Koso Likoro and Soba villages in Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger State.
Sources said the suspects were traced to a hideout around Ibbi Forest, where a joint operation led to the arrest of Sanda Dan, Mallam Wantau, and Atiku.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed and implicated Buba Maiyara, Mantile Alh Majo, and Bilya Musa Baushe, all from Koso village, as their accomplices.
In a subsequent operation, Manu Malami Shehu Maiyara was also arrested and admitted that his son, Buba Maiyara, together with his associates, were responsible for the abductions and cattle rustling in the area.
Sources said that the case remains under investigation.
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed
Kogi communities reeling as fleeing bandits from Kwara kill four
Transborder criminal financier arrested, apprehended in Kano with ₦15.28 million recovered
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