The Kano State Hisbah Board has formally prohibited the downloading and distribution of movies through mobile phones across the entire state. The ban, announced on Thursday, July 16, 2026, is part of efforts to safeguard public morality and promote Islamic values.
Scope of the Ban
Deputy Commander General of the board, Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen, disclosed the directive in a statement, confirming that the prohibition applies to all 44 local government areas in Kano State. “The Hisbah board has banned downloading and distribution of movies through mobile phones across the 44 local government areas in the state,” he said.
The decision follows numerous complaints that some operators in the mobile movie business were circulating pornographic films and other video materials deemed offensive to Islamic teachings and the cultural values of Kano State.
Enforcement and Legal Consequences
Aminuddeen warned that Hisbah personnel have been mobilised to enforce the directive and monitor compliance. “The board has deployed its personnel to monitor compliance through routine patrols and enforcement operations across the state. Anyone found violating the directive will face legal action in accordance with the laws of Kano State,” the Deputy Commander stated.
The board urged those affected by the ban to seek alternative lawful means of earning a living. Aminuddeen emphasised that the measure is intended to protect young people from harmful content and preserve societal values. According to him, the growing rate of moral decadence among youths is linked to the consumption of indecent films and videos.
Impact on Local Businesses
The ban directly impacts a widespread informal business where individuals download movies onto mobile phones and sell them to customers. Many operators rely on this trade as their primary source of income. The Hisbah board’s directive leaves them with limited time to transition to other livelihoods.
This is not the first time Kano Hisbah has taken action against what it considers immoral content. The board has previously raided cinemas, confiscated satellite dishes, and arrested individuals for distributing obscene materials. The latest ban extends these efforts to the mobile phone sector, which has become a major channel for accessing films in the state.
Public Reaction and Compliance
Reactions from Kano residents have been mixed. Some religious leaders and parents have welcomed the ban, arguing that it protects youth from explicit content. Others, including civil liberties advocates, have criticised the move as an infringement on personal freedoms and economic activities.
The Hisbah board has called on the public to cooperate and report any violations. With personnel deployed across the state, the board expects full compliance. The enforcement operations will involve routine patrols and surprise checks at known download and distribution points.
