JNI denies plans for Hisbah in Plateau State

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Plateau State has denied claims that a Muslim group is planning to set up a Hisbah organisation in Jos North Local Government Area.

This clarification came after social media posts suggested that a Hisbah group had already been formed in the area. This news caused some worry and led to a response from the Plateau State Government.

On Monday, Salim Umar, the Secretary of JNI in Plateau, spoke to Blueprint Radio Abuja. He said no Muslim organisation in the state has said it wants to create a Hisbah in Jos North.

“I want to assure the people that no Islamic organisation in Plateau has come out to say it wants to establish Hisbah. There is nothing like that. It has never been discussed, and it is not part of what is being considered,” Mr Umar stated.

He explained that the confusion started after images of people supposedly wearing Hisbah uniforms were shared online.

According to him, some of these images were likely made with artificial intelligence. They were spread in a way that made it look like a Hisbah organisation was established in Jos North.

“The matter started on social media when some people appeared in uniforms created with the help of artificial intelligence, claiming that they had established Hisbah in Jos North. The information gained traction, and people began sharing it widely,” he said.

Mr Umar noted that what seemed like a social media joke initially gained more attention as the images and claims circulated.

He pointed out that establishing a group with enforcement powers is not something that can happen without proper channels. It needs legal backing.

“Hisbah cannot be established without a law from the State House of Assembly, and the government has not done that. Therefore, people cannot simply come out and claim that they have established Hisbah,” he said.

Mr Umar urged the Plateau State Government to look into any claims about religious matters carefully. He stressed that such reports could stir tension among communities.

He also asked social media users to check the facts before sharing any information. He warned that sharing unverified claims and fake content could lead to misunderstandings and disrupt peaceful living.

This clarification from JNI came soon after Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared that any unapproved Hisbah organisation in Plateau is illegal. He instructed security agencies to check reports of such groups.

Governor Mutfwang stated that no person or group has the right to act like the government or enforce laws without following legal procedures.

JNI’s message remains clear: no Muslim organisation in Plateau has announced plans to set up a Hisbah in Jos North.