Shekarau: Hisbah Not Religious Institution, Supports State Police

• Ibrahim Shekarau supports the establishment of state police, citing the success of Kano’s Hisbah guards in maintaining law and order
• He emphasizes community-owned policing, clarifying that Hisbah guards assist armed forces in maintaining peace with a focus on ethics

Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, advocates for community policing, stressing that Kano’s Hisbah guards are not religiously oriented but focus on maintaining law and order.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Shekarau supported the federal and state governments’ move to establish state police amidst rising insecurity nationwide.

He highlighted the success of Hisbah in Kano, asserting that even non-Muslims appreciate their efforts, dispelling misconceptions about the institution’s religious affiliation.

The federal government’s consideration of state police was announced following an emergency meeting between President Bola Tinubu and state governors. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the process is in its early stages, pending further discussions among stakeholders.

Shekarau emphasized the need for community-owned policing, clarifying that the government’s role is coordination rather than control.

He stated, “The Hisbah guards assist the Nigerian armed forces in maintaining law and order, as stipulated in the legislation enacted in Kano. Our focus is on ethics and right conduct, ensuring peace in communities.”

Shekarau addressed concerns about potential misuse of state police during elections, highlighting the extensive training undergone by Hisbah guards to uphold professionalism and fairness.

He invited scrutiny of Hisbah’s activities, inviting all, including non-Muslims, to witness the positive impact of community policing in Kano.