Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has directed an immediate halt to the activities of a group reportedly operating under the name Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring such activities illegal, unauthorized, and unacceptable.
The directive was issued in a statement on Sunday, August 30, 2026, by Dr. Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor. It follows reports that the group allegedly intimidated, harassed, extorted, and imposed unauthorized rules on residents.
Governor Warns Against Unauthorized Authority
Governor Mutfwang warned all persons involved to desist from such conduct or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He stressed that Plateau has one Constitution, one legal system, and one legitimate authority, and that no individual or group has the right to assume powers that have not been conferred upon it by law.
The Governor stated that the government 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.
Security Agencies Directed to Act
Governor Mutfwang therefore directed security agencies in the State to identify, arrest, and investigate persons involved in the reported activities and prosecute them if found guilty. He emphasized that the directive is not targeted at any religion, ethnic group, or community.
"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," he said.
Rule of Law and Peaceful Coexistence
The Governor declared that "No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State. The responsibility for enforcing the law belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law."
"The issue before the Government is solely one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority. 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," Mutfwang added.
He further noted that Plateau State has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Governor Mutfwang said he will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme.
