The Yobe State Hisbah Commission has announced an immediate ban on male-female interactions in public settings, night gatherings, and certain social events, citing security concerns and the need to uphold Islamic moral standards.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Executive Chairman of the commission, Dr Yahuza Hamza Abubakar, said the directive aligns with the agency’s mandate to enforce moral conduct under Shari’a law.
He described activities such as inappropriate interactions between men and women, late-night gatherings, and reckless behaviour as inconsistent with Islamic teachings and the laws guiding the state.
“As part of our responsibility, all Sallah-related events and public gatherings that contradict Islamic moral values are hereby suspended,” the statement read.
The commission also warned that owners and operators of event centres must comply strictly with the directive or face sanctions. Community leaders, parents, and youth groups were urged to support enforcement efforts across the state.
Abubakar emphasised that the restrictions are part of ongoing efforts to maintain discipline and lawful conduct, especially during festive periods. He also conveyed assurances from the Yobe State Government under Governor Mai Mala Buni, reaffirming its commitment to peace and order.
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The move comes as states in Nigeria’s North-East step up security and regulatory measures during celebrations, amid lingering concerns over insurgency in the region.
Hisbah bodies, which operate in several northern states, are tasked with promoting moral discipline and enforcing Shari’a-based guidelines. However, such directives have at times sparked debate over personal freedoms and the balance between religious enforcement and constitutional rights in a diverse society.
