The Kano State Hisbah Board has announced a ban on the downloading and distribution of movies through mobile phones across the state’s 44 local government areas, citing concerns over public morality and the protection of Islamic values.
The directive was disclosed on Thursday through a WhatsApp message by the Deputy Commander General of the board, Dr Mujahid Aminuddeen, who said Hisbah personnel had been assigned to monitor compliance.
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“The Hisbah board has banned downloading and distribution of movies through mobile phones across the 44 local government areas in the state,” Aminuddeen said.
The deputy commander explained that the decision followed complaints that some operators were distributing pornographic films and other video materials considered offensive to Islamic teachings and Kano’s cultural values.
He said the board had begun enforcement efforts through routine patrols and monitoring operations across the state.
“The board has deployed its personnel to monitor compliance through routine patrols and enforcement operations across the state,” Aminuddeen said.
“Anyone found violating the directive will face legal action in accordance with the laws of Kano State.”
The ban is part of the board’s broader activities aimed at regulating public conduct and promoting standards it considers consistent with Islamic principles.
Aminuddeen urged affected businesses and individuals to explore lawful alternatives for earning a living, adding that the measure was introduced to protect young people from what the board described as harmful content.
He linked the directive to concerns over increasing moral challenges among youths, arguing that exposure to indecent films and videos contributed to what he described as moral decline.
The Kano State Hisbah Board has previously introduced various measures focused on public behaviour, entertainment and social activities, based on the state’s religious and cultural framework.
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The latest directive is expected to generate further discussion around digital access, content regulation, religious values and individual freedoms in the state.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
