Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, has declared the activities of Hisbah, an Islamic religious police force, illegal in the state.
Gyang Bere, the governor’s director of press and public affairs, said in a statement on Sunday that Mutfwang directed security agencies to immediately halt the activities of a group reportedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North LGA.
Bere said the directive followed reports of alleged intimidation, harassment, extortion, as well as the imposition of unauthorised rules on residents.
He said Mutfwang warned those involved to desist from such activities or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the Nigerian law.
Bere said the governor maintained that Plateau has “one constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority”, and would not allow any group to assume powers not conferred on it by law.
“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,” Mutfwang was quoted as saying.
Bere noted that Mutfwang has directed security agencies to identify and investigate persons involved in the reported activities.
He said the order also covered persons found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the activities.
Bere said Mutfwang clarified that the directive was not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community.
“The Governor wishes to make clear that 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.
Bere said the governor thanked members of the public who brought the reported activities to the attention of the authorities.
He said Mutfwang assured residents that his administration would continue to take credible security concerns seriously.
