Kano Hisbah Arrests 52 Keke Riders Over Alleged Immoral Haircuts And Unlawful Activities

Eko Hot Blog reports in a sweeping crackdown, the Kano State Hisbah Board has detained 52 commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as Yan Adaidaita Sahu, over alleged immoral haircuts, involvement in the sale of illegal drugs, and mixing with females in their vehicles.

The arrests were made in various parts of the Kano metropolis as part of the recently launched “Operation Kau da Badala” (Operation Fight against Immorality).

The Hisbah command initiated Operation Kau da Badala to address what it described as immoral activities, including prostitution, drug abuse, and the sale and consumption of alcohol.

The crackdown targets behaviors considered inconsistent with Islamic values and the cultural norms of the Kano people.

Addressing the 52 tricycle riders on Friday, Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Sheikh Mujahid Aminuddeen, emphasized the need for adherence to Islamic principles and Kano’s cultural values.

He stated, “We want to use this opportunity to appeal to you to avoid such acts and avoid acts capable of tarnishing the image of our religion and culture of the Kano people.”

The alleged offenses of the tricyclists included riding around wearing only shorts, displaying objectionable posters on their vehicles, mixing unrelated men and women, selling illegal drugs, and transporting women to locations where immoral activities take place.

Following their apprehension, the tricycle riders were taken to the Hisbah board’s headquarters, where they were admonished by officials before being released.

One tricycle rider, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration, saying, “We are just trying to make a living, and now we are being targeted for our appearance and the nature of our work.”

Another rider defended the group, stating, “Our hairstyles and the way we dress have nothing to do with our ability to operate our tricycles responsibly. We should be judged based on our actions, not our looks.”

The arrests have sparked discussions among the public, with mixed opinions on the Hisbah’s approach. A resident commented, “While it’s important to uphold moral standards, the focus should also be on addressing more pressing issues affecting the society.”

As the Kano Hisbah intensifies efforts to enforce moral conduct, debates over the balance between religious values and individual freedoms are gaining prominence, prompting calls for a nuanced and inclusive dialogue.

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