News
Journalist narrates how Katsina State Hisbah detained, threatened him for requesting an interview
Journalist narrates how Katsina State Hisbah detained, threatened him for requesting an interview
By: Zagazola Makama
A Katsina-based journalist, Jamil Mabai, has narrated his ordeal in the hands of officials of Katsina State Hisbah Board for requesting a follow up interview on an incident that led to the death of a resident.
He said he was at the Hisbah office to get a clearer picture of what transpired at a wedding ceremony last week in which shots were fired by Hisbah operatives who stormed the event to disrupt it because a disc jockey (DJ) was performing. According to him, Hisbah officials fired AK47 guns which sadly took the life of a guest, Mallam Gambo and injured many others.
The Katsina State Hisbah Board had for no specific reasons banned the activities of DJs in the state.
At the office to learn more about the unfortunate incident involving Hisbah operatives, Mabai was tricked into a corner where he was arrested and his phones confiscated on the orders of the Commandant.
“Following the ungly incident at the wedding ceremony, I contacted the Katsina Hisbah Public Relations Officer (PRO) to request a follow-up interview regarding Mallam Gambo’s death.
“Upon my arrival at the Hisbah office, I couldn’t find the PRO. Unknown to me, it was a setup. Soon enough some Hisbah officers approached me, claiming they were instructed to detain me.
“Despite explaining that I was a journalist there for an interview, they insisted that they had orders to detain me and confiscated my phone. I thereafter herded into a cell.
“I was later brought before the Commandant in his office where he threatened to deal with me for fighting with religion and God. He said there is nothing I or anybody can do to stop him and his officers from carrying on with their activities. He warned me to steer clear otherwise I will have myself to blame.
“Even when I informed them that detaining a journalist in their premises without any reason or opportunity to write a statement is a clear violation of press freedom, the arrogant officials were not bothered.
“I was released to be released after more than an hour of tongue-lashing and threats”.
The entire ordeal suffered by the journalist Mabai in the hands of Katsina State Hisbah once again raises serious questions about the activities of the so-called moral police in the North and also stirs concerns about what the proposed state police could be used for in the states if eventually created.
A civil servant in the state who pleaded not to be named for fear of harassment said it is rather worrisome that the Katsina State Government is watching while Hisbah operatives are running riot in the state with their provocative actions.
“The Katsina State Hisbah operatives who are mostly illiterates who barely understand their mandates are known and reviled for provocative actions against residents of the state all in the name of instilling morals.
“They go about the streets harassing innocent citizens; they flog people, forcefully cut people’s hair, destroy and cart away people’s wares and so on”.
Even more worrisome is that these barely literate, poorly-trained individuals wield assault rifles in the caliber of AK 47 with which they are terrorizing residents.
A number of people whose opinions were also sought on the activities of the organization are of the view that the State Government must rein in on them before they cause serious crisis in the state.
They wondered why a resident should lose his precious life simply because a bunch of moral thugs are against a DJ performing at a wedding. What is the offense in having a DJ perform in someone’s wedding? What Nigerian law did that contravene? they ask.
Journalist narrates how Katsina State Hisbah detained, threatened him for requesting an interview
News
Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative
Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of palliatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative to vulnerable residents across the state ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration.
The governor launched the exercise at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for this compassionate intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians and restoring hope to families facing economic hardship,” Zulum said.
The governor also praised the resilience and patience of the people of Borno despite years of insurgency and insecurity, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens through people-oriented policies and programmes.
“Despite the challenges our state has faced over the years, our people have continued to demonstrate resilience, patience, and courage. As a government, we remain committed to implementing programmes and policies that directly improve the lives of our citizens,” he stated.

Zulum noted that the distribution exercise forms part of the federal and state governments broader social support programme aimed at cushioning economic hardship and strengthening community resilience.
“The distribution exercise we are flagging off today is therefore part of our broader social support programme designed to cushion economic difficulties and strengthen community resilience. I commend members of the Distribution Committee for their efforts and urge them to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the exercise so that the support will reach the rightful beneficiaries,” he added.
The governor urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed while also appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners for their continued support towards peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Dr Abba Bashir Dankellori, expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the timely intervention, describing it as a relief that would enable many Muslim families to celebrate the forthcoming Sallah with ease.
“I wish to, on behalf of the committee, thank the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the kind gesture. We also appreciate Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the selfless leadership, commitment and service to the people of the state,” Dankellori stated.
According to him, beneficiaries of the intervention include Qur’anic and Sangaya school teachers, as well as religious organisations that contribute to the moral upbringing of society.
Governor Zulum was accompanied to the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Engr Baba Bukar Gujbawu; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Busuguma, among other top government officials.
Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative
News
Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services
Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint Security forced in Plateau State on Sunday conducted a joint show of force across major flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru general area to ensure peaceful church services and strengthen public confidence.
The operation involved troops of Operation Enduring Peace, personnel of the Nigerian Air Force 551 Station, Operation Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.
Security sources said the exercise commenced at about 7:30 a.m. and was aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action while providing adequate security coverage during church services.
The coordinated patrols and visibility operations covered identified vulnerable areas and strategic locations within Jos and Bukuru.
According to the sources, the operation was conducted without any security breach or incident, while religious activities across the affected areas remained peaceful.
The security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining collaborative operations aimed at maintaining law and order as well as protecting lives and property in Plateau State.
Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services
News
Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot
Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot
Nigeria recorded a major triumph at the 24th CAA Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, Ghana, as teenage athletes Rosemary and Miracle delivered a stunning performance to win gold for the country in the women’s 4x100m relay event.
The young stars, both students of NTIC Secondary School, helped Team Nigeria clinch the gold medal with an impressive time of 42.94 seconds, further underlining the country’s growing strength in athletics.
Their victory also secured Nigeria a ticket to the World Championships in Gaborone, while guaranteeing qualification for the 2027 World Championship in China.
The feat was particularly remarkable for Rosemary, who was making her senior debut for Nigeria at the continental championship.
Sports enthusiasts have since praised the duo for proving that age is no barrier to excellence, with many describing their performance as a glimpse into the bright future of Nigerian athletics.
Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot
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