Hisbah Dismantles Alleged Holy Site in Kano Where People Bathed, Drank Muddy Water Over Unverified Prophet Footprint Claims

The Kano State Hisbah Board has dismantled a makeshift pilgrimage site in the Dakata Industrial Area following viral claims that the location bore the footprint of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The area, recently cleared for railway construction, became a hotspot after a muddy imprint and seeping water were spotted, prompting crowds to flock to the site.

Believing the water had divine healing properties, thousands of people—men, women, and children—visited the location to pray, bathe, and collect the water in bottles. Videos circulating online showed some prostrating in prayer while others used the water for ablution or poured it over themselves in search of miraculous cures.

In response, the Kano State Hisbah Board quickly intervened. Deputy Commander Muhahideen Aminudeen stated that the board acted upon receiving reports of the crowd activity and dismantled the site to prevent further misinformation and potential health risks. He emphasized that the claims were entirely baseless and misleading, particularly because there is no historical or religious evidence to support them.

“Some mischief makers circulated this bogus story that the place is a holy site where the Prophet set foot,” Aminudeen said. “Unfortunately, many people who lack sound knowledge of Islam were misled. We deployed officers to educate the public and dismantle the site.”

He stressed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never visited Africa, let alone Kano, and urged the public to seek proper Islamic education to avoid being deceived by such claims. Aminudeen also warned against consuming the water from the site, citing its proximity to industrial facilities and the potential for contamination.

While no arrests have been made, the Hisbah Board confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the source of the false claims.