Government Probes Hisbah Over Alleged Torture, Murder
The committee is expected to investigate other allegations of victimisation, and torture being perpetrated by the personnel of the board.
The Katsina State Government has inaugurated a committee to investigate the veracity or otherwise of a viral video on social media, on the alleged torture of individuals by personnel of the state Hisbah Board.
The Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Abdullahi Faskari inaugurated the committee on Tuesday on behalf of the State Deputy Governor, Faruq Jobe, at the SGS office, State Secretariat Complex, Katsina.
He maintained that the committee is expected to investigate other allegations of victimisation, and torture being perpetrated by the personnel of the board.
Other terms of reference of the committee according to Faskari include among others; to study of the law establishing the Hisbah Board to determine lapses (if any) leading to violations of fundamental human rights.
He added that the committee is expected to also come up with recommendations that will address findings regarding the Law establishing the Hisbah Board.
The move comes after reports of violence against the public by Hisbah.
On May 5, 2024, in the Katsina metropolis, a joint operation by Hisbah and Community Watch Corps at a wedding ceremony turned violent. The security forces fired shots into the crowd, resulting in the tragic death of Mallam Gambo Maipaci, a middle-aged vulcanizer.
An eyewitness, Mohammed Musa, told PUNCH Online that “immediately the Hisbah alongside CWC alighted, without much ado, they started shooting while those with knives too were seen chasing the crowd.
Faskari said, “To identify Hisbah personnel who are involved in the act of victimization and torture of people and recommend sanctions as appropriate.
“To submit report within ten (10) days from the date of inauguration of the Committee”, he noted.
The committee is to be headed by the Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Aliyu Zakari, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs will serve as a member.
Other members of the committee include: Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Permanent Secretary, Department of Public Service Administration Reform, State Chairman Coalition of CSO, as well as the Director Security, SGS Office as Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Committee, Shargalle pledged to carry out the assigned task diligently within the stipulated time frame.
