Plateau State Governor Outlaws Illegal Hisba Activities in Jos North

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared the activities of a group called Hisba in Jos North Local Government Area illegal. He has ordered security agencies to stop their operations immediately.

This directive came in a statement released on Sunday by Mr Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.

The governor also instructed security agencies to find and investigate those involved in the activities and prosecute anyone found guilty.

The statement said this action followed reports that the group was involved in intimidation, harassment, extortion, and enforcing rules and restrictions on residents without permission.

Mr Mutfwang warned members of the group to stop these activities or face arrest and prosecution under Nigerian law. He said Plateau State operates under one constitution, one legal system, and one legitimate authority.

The governor emphasized that no individual or group can act as a government or law enforcement unless the law allows it. “Government will not permit the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or group seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens,” he said.

He explained that enforcing the law is the job of properly recognized authorities acting within the law. The governor also asked security agencies to gather intelligence and conduct lawful operations to identify those involved.

This order extends to anyone found promoting, sponsoring, assisting, or supporting the reported activities. Mr Mutfwang further instructed security agencies to protect residents from intimidation, harassment, extortion, and other unlawful actions.

In response to this announcement, a former Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Dan Manjang, called the governor’s directive “timely, necessary and commendable.”

Mr Manjang said this issue should not be seen through the lens of religion, ethnicity, or community, but as a matter of lawful authority, public order, and protecting citizens’ rights.

“In a constitutional democracy, no individual or group can arrogate to itself powers that belong exclusively to the duly constituted authorities of the State,” he stated. He added that allowing self-appointed groups to take on powers meant for the government could weaken the state's authority and create rival centers of power.

He urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the claims and prosecute anyone found guilty, while ensuring that innocent people are not harmed.

Mr Manjang also welcomed the governor’s clarification that the action was not aimed at any religion, ethnic group, or community. He said all Plateau residents, regardless of their faith or ethnic background, should be able to live and worship freely as long as they follow the law.

“Plateau State must have one government, one legal framework and one authority recognized by law,” he added. Mr Manjang encouraged residents to support the enforcement of the governor’s directive, asserting that the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law must always be upheld.