The Kano State Hisbah Board has banned the business of downloading and distributing movies through mobile phones across all 44 local government areas in the state. The directive, announced on Thursday, July 16, 2026, aims to protect public morality and promote Islamic values following complaints that some operators were circulating pornographic films and other videos deemed offensive to the state's religious and cultural beliefs.
Hisbah Announces Ban via WhatsApp
The announcement was made by the Deputy Commander General of the board, Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen, in a WhatsApp message. "The Hisbah board has banned downloading and distribution of movies through mobile phones across the 44 local government areas in the state," Aminuddeen said. The board linked the decision to reports that some individuals involved in the business were sharing pornographic films and other video materials that conflict with Islamic teachings and Kano's cultural values.
Reason for the Ban
According to the board, the restriction is part of efforts to protect young people from harmful content and curb what it sees as growing moral decline among youths linked to indecent films and videos. The board also urged those who depend on the business for income to seek other lawful means of making a living.
Enforcement and Legal Consequences
Hisbah stated that its personnel have been deployed across the state to ensure compliance with the directive. "The board has deployed its personnel to monitor compliance through routine patrols and enforcement operations across the state," Aminuddeen said. The board warned that anyone who continues the business despite the ban could face legal action under Kano State laws. "Anyone found violating the directive will face legal action in accordance with the laws of Kano State," the deputy commander added.
Hisbah's Broader Role
The Kano State Hisbah Board is responsible for enforcing Sharia-related regulations in the state. In recent years, the agency has introduced several measures targeting activities and content it considers inconsistent with Islamic teachings and the cultural values of Kano. This latest ban follows previous actions, including the arrest of 16 youths for alleged immoral activities and the clarification of Christian eligibility for the board's mass wedding programme.
Previous Hisbah Actions
Earlier, the Kano Hisbah Board arrested 16 youths during operations across parts of the state over alleged immoral activities. The board’s Deputy Commander-General, Mujahiddeen Aminuddeen, said six men and 10 women were apprehended at locations including El-Kanemy Suite, BUK Road, Danbare and Layin Shisha areas. The suspects, described as first-time offenders, received counseling and signed undertakings before their release, while the board pledged to continue monitoring their conduct.
In another development, the Kano Hisbah Board addressed concerns over Christian participation in its mass wedding programme, stating that eligible Christians can apply alongside Muslim couples. Aminuddeen said widows, widowers, divorcees, bachelors, and spinsters can benefit from the initiative, regardless of their religious background. He added that Christian couples had participated in previous editions, including three couples in 2023, while applicants undergo screening before selection for the programme.
