…says Shari’ah police operations not allowed in the state
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has ordered an immediate halt to the activities of a group reportedly operating the Hisbah Shari’ah police in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring such activities illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable.
The governor also ordered security agencies to arrest and prosecute those behind Hisbah in the state.
Governor Mutfwang’s order follows reports that the group allegedly intimidated, harassed, extorted and imposed unauthorised rules on residents.
The governor warned all persons involved to desist from such conduct or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He stressed that Plateau has one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, and that no individual or group has the right to assume powers that have not been conferred upon it by law.
Mutfwang stated that the state government would not permit the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or group seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework of the Nigerian state.
Mutfwang, in a statement on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, declared, “No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State. The responsibility for enforcing the law belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law.”
Governor Mutfwang therefore directed the security agencies in the State to identify, arrest and investigate persons involved in the reported activities and prosecute them if found guilty.
The Governor however stated that “this directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law.
“The issue before the Government is solely one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority. Every resident of Plateau State has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.
“Plateau State has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Governor Mutfwang will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme.”
