Hisbah in Jos North? Governor Mutfwang Declares Unauthorised Activities Illegal
The Plateau State Government has declared activities allegedly being carried out by a group operating under the name Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area illegal and unauthorised.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in a directive issued on Sunday, ordered an immediate halt to the reported activities and directed security agencies to identify and investigate those involved.
According to the government, the directive followed reports of alleged intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules on residents.
Governor Mutfwang warned that individuals or groups operating outside the authority granted by law would face arrest and prosecution where investigations establish that offences had been committed.
The governor stressed that Plateau State operates under one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate governmental authority.
“No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State,” the governor stated.
He directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and take lawful steps to establish the identity and activities of those allegedly involved.
The governor also extended the directive to anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting unlawful activities connected to the reported group.
Government: Directive Is Not Against Any Religion
The Plateau State Government was careful to distinguish the directive from religious or ethnic issues, stressing that it was based on lawful conduct and legitimate authority.
Governor Mutfwang said the action was not directed at Islam, Muslims or any ethnic community, noting that Plateau State is home to people from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.
He maintained that every resident has the right to worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.
The governor also thanked residents who brought the reported activities to the attention of the authorities and assured the public that credible security concerns would continue to receive government attention.
Why the Hisbah Question Is Drawing Attention
The development is likely to generate discussion in Jos North, particularly over the question of whether any organisation outside Nigeria’s established law-enforcement structure can enforce rules or sanctions against residents.
The immediate issue, however, is not the religious identity of the group but whether the reported activities were conducted with lawful authority.
Security agencies are now expected to investigate the allegations and determine whether criminal or other legal violations occurred.
The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed that the protection of residents’ rights, dignity and freedoms remains its responsibility and that the rule of law must remain supreme in the state.
DISCLAIMER: This report is based on the statement attributed to the Plateau State Government and reproduced by media reports on August 30, 2026.
Allegations concerning individuals or groups mentioned in the report remain subject to investigation by the relevant authorities.
.
