Katsina Hisbah Board Seeks Retraction Of Defamatory Claims

Katsina State Hisbah Board has issued a formal demand to one Alhaji Jibrin Tanimu for the immediate retraction of what it described as false and defamatory allegations against the agency within seven days.

In a letter dated March 29, 2026, and addressed to Tanimu in Modoji, Katsina local government area, the board accused him of making public claims that it stole N221 million from him.

According to the letter, the allegations were made on or about March 10, 2026, following his arrest at his residence in the presence of neighbours.

The board further alleged that Tanimu not only made the claims publicly but also communicated them through his legal representatives to the Katsina State government.

Describing the allegations as “entirely false, malicious, and without any factual basis,” the Hisbah Board said the statements were intended to tarnish its reputation and mislead both the public and government authorities.

The letter, signed by Jabir Bello, Senior State Counsel and Legal Adviser to the Board, stated that Tanimu’s actions amount to defamation, which has caused reputational harm to the agency, its officials, and its operations.

Providing its own account of events, the Board claimed that Tanimu is being investigated over allegations of dishonestly obtaining ₦10.2 million from three individuals, Aminu Ado Yukasai, Mas’udu Armaya’u Abbas, and Aminu Garba Yakubu, all residents of Kano State.

It added that the victims were introduced to Tanimu through a Hisbah personnel.

The Board also disclosed that the said personnel had been detained by a court in Kano, which subsequently ordered that Tanimu be produced before the court as a condition for the officer’s release.

As part of its demands, the Hisbah Board instructed Tanimu to immediately retract the alleged defamatory statements in writing and issue a public apology to be published in at least two widely circulated national newspapers.

It also directed him to cease further publication of such claims and to confirm compliance within seven days of receiving the letter.

The Board warned that failure to comply would leave it with no option but to initiate legal proceedings, including claims for damages and injunctive relief.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command; the Director of the State Security Service, Katsina Command; the Governor of Katsina State; and the State Attorney General.