Katsina Hisbah Enforces 10pm Curfew On Girls’ Night Hawking, Warns Parents Against Violation

By Abdulrahman Dan-Umar, Katsina

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has introduced a new directive restricting girls from engaging in night hawking across the state, ordering that all such activities must stop by 10:00 p.m. daily.

The Commandant General of the Board, Sheikh Saifuddeen Yakubu Musa, announced the directive on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Board’s headquarters, saying the move was designed to safeguard young girls from social risks and promote moral values in line with Islamic principles.

He explained that the restriction applies to motor parks, markets and other public spaces where hawking activities are conducted, adding that Hisbah officers would be deployed to ensure strict compliance.

Sheikh Saifuddeen said the decision followed reports received by the Board indicating that some girls involved in late-night hawking were exposed to abuse and other activities considered contrary to Islamic teachings.

“Reports indicate that some of these girls engage in illicit activities, while others are raped and some commit adultery. These practices are against the teachings of Islam, and we will not allow them to continue,” he stated.

The Hisbah chief cautioned parents against sending their children, particularly girls, to hawk at night, urging families to take greater responsibility for their safety and protection.

He also announced that the Board would intensify supervision of traditional medicine dealers across Katsina State to ensure their activities align with Islamic values.

According to him, the use of offensive and vulgar language by some dealers while promoting their products would no longer be accepted.

Sheikh Saifuddeen further raised concerns over reports of the reopening of brothels in some parts of the state, directing operators to shut them down or face legal action.

He reiterated that the prohibition on the sale of alcoholic drinks, especially beer, remains in effect across Katsina State, warning those involved in the trade to desist from selling alcohol in public places.

The Commandant General appealed for the cooperation of residents, particularly the Muslim community, stressing that the Hisbah Board was established to promote discipline and compliance with the law, not to victimise citizens.

He assured that the Board would continue to discharge its responsibilities within the framework of its enabling law while working to uphold moral standards across the state.