The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested 22 suspected crossdressers in different parts of the state following complaints from residents over alleged immoral activities.
The Deputy Commander General of the board, Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen, confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects were apprehended around Zoo Road, Court Road and other neighbouring areas in Kano.
Aminuddeen said the suspects comprised 10 women and 12 men, adding that most of them reportedly entered Kano State from other states.
According to him, the suspects admitted during questioning to engaging in hook-up activities and drug abuse.
He said investigations were ongoing and that those found guilty would face the law.
The Deputy Commander General reiterated that the Hisbah Board would not tolerate activities it considers immoral in Kano State, stressing that the agency would intensify its crackdown on such practices.
The latest arrests are part of the board’s continuing enforcement activities against alleged violations of the state’s moral regulations.
In March, the Hisbah authorities intensified their crackdown on alleged moral violations following a raid on Stephrica Guest Palace in the Kureken Sani area of Kumbotso Local Government Area.
The operation was reportedly conducted after residents provided intelligence concerning activities allegedly taking place at the hotel.
According to officials, the raid formed part of ongoing surveillance efforts aimed at curbing alleged immoral gatherings, particularly activities involving underage persons.
Several individuals were arrested during the operation, including the hotel manager, as authorities sought to hold both patrons and operators accountable.
The Kano State Hisbah Board is a government-backed Islamic moral enforcement body established to promote adherence to Shari’a principles and regulate conduct considered contrary to Islamic teachings.
Its activities have focused on issues including alcohol consumption, prostitution, public indecency and other practices regarded by the authorities as violations of Islamic moral standards.
The board has, however, remained controversial, with its enforcement activities periodically generating public debate over the scope of its powers, particularly in cases involving arrests over alleged moral offences.
With the latest arrests, the Hisbah authorities have signalled that their campaign against what they describe as immoral practices will continue across Kano State.
Investigations into the 22 suspects are ongoing, while the board says anyone found culpable will be dealt with according to the law.