…. Calls For Immediate Investigation
The Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption (GCCLAC), a coalition of civil rights organisations, has condemned the alleged formation of a parallel Hisbah organisation in Kano State, warning that the development poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s constitutional order and national security.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Wednesday, GCCLAC expressed concern over reports of a new group known as the “Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi,” which is allegedly linked to associates of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
According to the organisation, the creation of such a group “is not merely a political disagreement but a direct challenge to Nigeria’s exclusive constitutional monopoly on the use of force.” It noted that at a time when the country is battling banditry, insurgency, and heightened global scrutiny on religious freedom, allowing an unregulated enforcement body to operate could set a dangerous precedent.
GCCLAC outlined four key risks posed by the emergence of the alleged group, including threats to public order and sovereignty, potential human rights abuses, political manipulation, and the possibility of extremist escalation. The organisation warned that rivalry between the legally established Kano State Hisbah Board and the new group could spark violent clashes and create confusion among residents.
The coalition further described the development as a potential repeat of past scenarios where loosely structured youth groups evolved into violent extremist movements, drawing parallels with Boko Haram’s early beginnings.
A major focus of the briefing was the funding of the alleged 12,000-member organisation. GCCLAC urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to investigate possible links to diverted public funds, criminal enterprises, or international terror financing networks.
It emphasised that the scale of mobilisation required for such a group raises significant concerns under global financial monitoring frameworks such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.
GCCLAC issued a three-point demand, calling for the immediate disbandment of the group by the Kano State Government, a comprehensive security and financial investigation by relevant agencies, and the implementation of programmes aimed at preventing the exploitation of unemployed youths for political or extremist purposes.
The briefing concluded with a warning that failing to address the issue promptly could allow a politically motivated, privately funded enforcement group to evolve into a wider national security threat.
The statement was signed by Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, Convener, and Mallam Mohammed Sadiq, Secretary.
