Katsina Businessman Alleges N221m Loss, Unlawful Detention By Hisbah

A Katsina-based legal firm, Legal Minded Law Firm, has petitioned the state government over alleged misconduct by members of the Hisbah Board, including claims of unlawful invasion, harassment and the disappearance of N221 million.

The petition, dated March 18, 2026, was addressed to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on behalf of a businessman, Alhaji Jibrin Tanimu.

According to the lawyers, D. D. Sani and I. M. Sa’ad, about 25 Hisbah operatives allegedly stormed the client’s residence around 1:20 a.m. on March 10.

They reportedly forced entry by breaking the gate and damaging windows, causing panic within the household.

The firm alleged that after gaining access to the bedroom, N221,000,000 kept in the house went missing.

The businessman was later detained and allegedly denied access to his phone and legal representation initially.

He was subsequently transferred to Kano, where he remained in custody until he was granted bail on March 16, 2026.

The legal firm described the incident as a violation of fundamental rights and due process, urging the government to investigate.

However, the Hisbah command denied the allegations. An official, Muhammadu Shitu, stated that the businessman had been on a wanted list for alleged fraud involving over N10 million collected through fake job offers.

He also dismissed claims of theft, questioning the credibility of the alleged ₦221 million.

He noted that such an amount, if true, should be subject to investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Shitu, speaking on behalf of the Hisba Commander, Dr. Aminu Usman, further clarified that the agency acted on a valid arrest warrant from the police to apprehend the petitioner, adding that officers only went to the premises to effect the arrest and did not enter the petitioner’s living quarters.