The Kano community police, operating under the Hisbah Board, has arrested 16 youths during a crackdown on alleged immoral activities in parts of the state.
The arrestees, six men and 10 women and were being profiled and counselled in an exercise aimed at promoting moral discipline and discouraging behaviour considered unacceptable under the state’s regulations.
The arrests were made during a targeted operation conducted at El-Kanemy Suite along Yahaya Gusau Road, as well as the BUK Road, Danbare and Layin Shisha areas of Kano.
During a press briefing on Thursday, the Deputy Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, Mujahiddeen Aminuddeen, said the operation yielded positive results with the arrest of the 16 youths.
He explained that all those detained were first-time offenders and would be given an opportunity to reform through counselling and guidance.
“They are all presently at the Hisbah Board undergoing counselling.
“We usually preach to them, invite their relatives and counsel them. They then sign an undertaking not to engage in such acts again,” Aminuddeen said.
He added that the board would continue to keep track of the individuals after their release in order to encourage positive behavioural change and ensure compliance with the commitments they make.
Furthermore, Aminuddeen noted that the board’s approach prioritises rehabilitation over punishment for first-time offenders.
He said community engagement and family involvement remain key parts of the reform process.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Hisbah Board said it would sustain similar operations as part of its mandate to enforce Sharia-related regulations and curb activities it considers contrary to public morality.
Aminuddeen said such immorality includes alcohol consumption, prostitution and other forms of social misconduct.