Hisbah Destroys N5.8 Million Worth of Alcohol in Jigawa State

Hisbah Destroys N5.8 Million Worth of Alcohol in Jigawa State

Dutse, Jigawa — July 21, 2025 — The Jigawa State Hisbah Board has destroyed alcoholic beverages valued at N5.8 million, in what it describes as a continued effort to uphold public morality and enforce Islamic principles across the state. The destruction took place in Kazaure Local Government Area and involved the incineration of 400 cartons of beer, totaling 196,400 bottles.

The exercise was confirmed by the State Hisbah Commander, Malam Ibrahim Dahiru, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday. He said the confiscated drinks were seized in a series of coordinated raids on bars and alcohol vendors operating illegally within the area.

The operation, led by Alhaji Mansur Dabuwa, Chairman of the Kazaure Local Government, aligns with Jigawa State's strict interpretation of Sharia law, which prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol in all public and private spaces. Hisbah, the state’s religious enforcement agency, is tasked with monitoring and eliminating acts considered immoral or contrary to Islamic teachings.

“Alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden in Jigawa,” Dahiru stated. “This board remains committed to eliminating such vices that threaten the moral fabric of our society. Our work is far from over.”

He reiterated that the destruction was not a one-time event but part of an ongoing statewide campaign to combat social vices, including drug abuse, indecent dressing, and gambling.

Dahiru called on residents to support Hisbah’s activities by reporting bars, distributors, and individuals involved in alcohol-related offenses. He emphasized that public cooperation is crucial for the board to carry out its duties effectively.

“We need the help of responsible citizens to rid our communities of behaviors that are not in line with our values,” he said. “The fight against immorality is a shared responsibility.”

He further encouraged youths and adults alike to abstain from activities deemed harmful to both spiritual and societal well-being, warning that violators would face legal and spiritual consequences.

Jigawa is one of several states in Northern Nigeria governed by Sharia law, under which Hisbah operates with both community and government backing. These laws prohibit alcohol and other behaviors considered inconsistent with Islamic teachings.

However, the enforcement often sparks debates on human rights, religious freedom, and economic implications, especially for non-Muslim residents or business owners. While the Hisbah Board maintains that its mandate is morally justified and legally backed, critics argue that such actions raise concerns about personal freedoms and pluralism in a multi-religious society.

The destruction of over N5.8 million worth of alcohol is a clear message from the Jigawa Hisbah Board that it intends to intensify moral enforcement across the state. As the campaign continues, both praise and scrutiny follow the agency's efforts to shape societal behavior through religious mandates.

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