Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, has declared the
activities of Hisbah, an Islamic religious police force, illegal in the state.
Gyang Bere, the governor’s director of press and public
affairs, said in a statement on Sunday that Mutfwang directed security agencies
to immediately halt the activities of a group reportedly operating as Hisbah in
parts of Jos North LGA.
Bere said the directive followed reports of alleged
intimidation, harassment, extortion, as well as the imposition of unauthorised
rules on residents.
He said Mutfwang warned those involved to desist from such
activities or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the Nigerian law.
Bere said the governor maintained that Plateau has “one
constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority”, and would not
allow any group to assume powers not conferred on it by law.
“No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself
the government of Plateau State. The responsibility for enforcing the law
belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law,” Mutfwang was
quoted as saying.
Bere noted that Mutfwang has directed security agencies to
identify and investigate persons involved in the reported activities.
He said the order also covered persons found to be
promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the activities.
Bere said Mutfwang clarified that the directive was not
directed at any religion, ethnic group or community.
“The Governor wishes to make clear that this directive is
not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. Plateau State remains
home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are
entitled to equal protection under the law,” he said.
Bere said the governor thanked members of the public who
brought the reported activities to the attention of the authorities.
He said Mutfwang assured residents that his administration
would continue to take credible security concerns seriously.
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