Kano Hisbah Bans Sports Betting, Tightens Morality Regulations

The Kano State Hisbah Board has announced a complete ban on all forms of sports betting in the state as part of its broader campaign to combat immorality. The decision is part of a renewed effort by the Islamic moral enforcement agency to maintain social order in Kano.

Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Dr. Mujaheed Aminuddeen, addressed the media on Wednesday, unveiling the board’s intensified “Operation Flush Out Immorality.” He warned that Hisbah operatives would soon begin strict enforcement against individuals and groups found engaging in activities deemed immoral under the new directives.

In addition to the betting ban, Hisbah has introduced new regulations aimed at restoring discipline, including measures targeting landlords. According to the board, landlords who rent out properties to unidentified individuals will face arrests, citing concerns over increasing reports of houses being used for improper activities like lodging and motels.

Dr. Aminuddeen also introduced fresh guidelines for couples, particularly those courting. Going forward, prospective couples will be prohibited from sitting in vehicles with tinted windows, especially at night. This new rule aims to curtail inappropriate conduct during courtship.

Further measures include the enforcement of Kano’s long-standing prohibition on street begging. Female beggars found outdoors after dark will be arrested, with the board expressing concern about the rising numbers of women engaging in late-night begging.

Additionally, in an effort to curb prostitution, the Hisbah Board declared that any woman found in a tricycle after 10 p.m. will be detained.

Dr. Aminuddeen urged the public to comply with these regulations, warning that violators would face severe penalties. He also called on parents to closely monitor their children’s behavior, especially their daughters, to prevent them from engaging in activities that could breach the state’s moral codes.