Katsina Hisbah bans girls from night hawking

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has placed a statewide ban on night street hawking by underage girls, directing that all such commercial activities must cease by 10:00 pm daily.

The Commandant General of the board, Saifullahi Musa, announced the enforcement directive on Tuesday during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Katsina. The restriction will be enforced across all major motor parks, public markets, and commercial zones.

Musa stated that the measure became necessary after receiving multiple reports that underage girls engaged in late-night street trading were being exposed to sexual abuse, rape, and other illicit activities.

“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”, Musa.

Hisbah personnel have been deployed to strategic locations across the state to ensure strict compliance. The Commandant General also warned parents to prioritize the safety and welfare of their wards, warning against exposing female children to the dangers of night hawking.

In a related development, the Katsina Hisbah has rolled out new operational guidelines to regulate traditional medicine dealers. Musa warned practitioners against using vulgar and offensive language during product advertisements, stressing that such conduct violates Islamic values and will no longer be tolerated.

The religious police also warned that the statewide prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages remains in full force. The board confirmed that fresh closure notices have been served to operators of newly reopened brothels across the state, threatening legal action against defaulters.

The Commandant General urged all residents to cooperate with the agency as it discharges its statutory duties within the confines of the law.