Gov Mutfwang Declares ‘Hisba’ Illegal, Orders Crackdown On Members

Plateau State governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has directed security agencies to identify and investigate persons involved in the reported activities of individuals under the guise of Hisba

He said where sufficient evidence establishes violations of the law, the masterminds and their foot soldiers should be arrested and prosecuted.

He also directed the security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of those involved and to ensure that residents were protected from intimidation, harassment, extortion or any other form of unlawful coercion.

The governor warned that his administration would not permit the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or group seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework of the Nigerian state.

Mutfwang, in a statement issued by his director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, declared that such activities are illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable in Plateau State.

Mutfwang warned all persons involved to immediately desist from such conduct or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The governor stressed that Plateau State has one Constitution, one legal system, and one legitimate authority, and that no individual or group has the right to assume powers not conferred upon it by law.

The governor wishes to make clear that this directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law.

According to the statement, the issue before the Government is solely one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority, stressing that every resident of Plateau State has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.

Governor Mutfwang expressed his appreciation to members of the public who brought the reported activities to the attention of the authorities and assured residents that his administration will continue to take every credible security concern seriously.

He reaffirmed that the protection of the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of all residents remains a fundamental responsibility of government.

Mutfwang insisted that Plateau State has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds adding that his administration will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme.