Challenges of Enforcement of the Sharia Law under the Hisbah, Kano State, Nigeria: 2000-2024

Abstract

The re-introduction and implementation of the Islamic legal system known as Sharia in Kano State
in Nigeria at the turn of the twenty-first century after it was silenced and set aside by the British
invaders in 1903 as a result of colonialism - was in response to the yearnings by the majority Muslim
population within the state in order to create an ideal, moral, and a just society to stamp out social
and economic decadence in Kano State; of which the existing state agencies and law enforcement
units have failed to tackle efficiently for many decades. From the year 2002, an attempt was made
to revive the Sharia in Kano, although the state considers the agitation of the Muslims about the
issue. However, in 2003, the then Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, implemented the system and
established the Hisbah Board as an agency through which all Sharia matters would be referred.
Initial successes were recorded, which addressed social vices such as drug abuse, social and
domestic attacks at homes, violence on the streets (‘yan daba), enforcement of civil obedience, and
censorship/closure of beer parlours and brothels houses within the state, for these immoralities and
vices were identified as crucial in order for the Sharia to have an impact and thrive in the state.
However, in carrying out its duly assigned tasks, Hisbah was often accused of gross human rights
violations, unprofessional investigation procedures, and sinister motives against some businesses,
less privileged people, and some targeted individuals in Kano state. In light of the absurdities
labelled against the Hisbah and its activities, this write-up will delve into the issues raised against
the Hisbah's activities by analyzing the extent to which such criticisms continue to inhibit the
Hisbah's performance within the period covered in this research.