Hisbah rejects claims of anti-Christian restrictions in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has categorically denied allegations that it imposed restrictions on Christian worship and religious practices within the state. In a statement released on Saturday, the board's Commandant, Dr. Usman Abdullahi Jatau, denounced the claims as false and misleading, asserting that they risked inciting religious tensions in a region known for its history of interfaith harmony. The allegations, which surfaced on social media, accused the Islamic enforcement agency of introducing regulations that would affect how Christians conduct worship and organize religious gatherings. These claims were attributed to a blogger named @radical.okoja.bia and others, who alleged that the Hisbah Board had prohibited mixed gatherings of men and women in churches, mandated separate worship sessions for genders, and restricted pastors from sitting with their wives during services. The accusations further suggested that these measures were part of a larger scheme to Islamize Nigeria, starting in Sokoto and spreading to other regions. The Hisbah Board clarified that the law underpinning its operations, enacted by the Sokoto State House of Assembly, applies exclusively to Muslims. According to Jatau, the board lacks both legal authority and mandate to regulate Christian worship or influence how followers of other faiths practice their religions. He emphasized that the board's role is strictly defined by statute and that the recent allegations represented a deliberate effort to misrepresent its functions and provoke unrest. Jatau warned that attributing such restrictions to the Hisbah Board constitutes a dangerous distortion of facts, potentially undermining the peaceful coexistence of religious communities in the state. In addition to rejecting the allegations, Jatau condemned efforts to politicize the issue, especially claims of a coordinated plan to Islamize Nigeria. He stressed that such assertions have no connection to the statutory duties of the Hisbah Board. The commandant advised the blogger to continue his political campaigning without linking the Hisbah Board to his personal or political fortunes. He also urged the public to ignore unverified social media claims that might foster distrust and hostility among religious groups. The board reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, unity, and mutual respect among all faith communities in Sokoto. The controversy emerged after the blogger and others circulated posts suggesting that the Hisbah Board had implemented policies aimed at curbing Christian practices. These posts reportedly gained traction online, prompting concern among local leaders and religious figures. In response, the Hisbah Board issued a detailed rebuttal, clarifying that its jurisdiction is limited to Muslim affairs and that it does not interfere with the religious practices of non-Muslims. Jatau pointed out that the allegations lacked any legal basis and were based on misunderstandings or deliberate misinformation. He called for the public to exercise caution in sharing unverified information and to support initiatives that promote social cohesion and religious tolerance. The board also highlighted the importance of responsible social media usage, warning against the spread of content that could exacerbate divisions. It encouraged citizens to engage in constructive dialogue and to uphold the values of inclusivity and respect that define Sokoto’s societal fabric. Jatau concluded by reaffirming the Hisbah Board’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all religious groups operate within the bounds of legality and mutual understanding. The statement served as a clear message that the board would not tolerate unfounded accusations or attempts to misuse its authority for political ends.