The Kano State Hisbah Board has launched a fresh campaign to clamp down on unmarried couples meeting secretly inside cars, describing the practice as a growing "menace" that violates Islamic moral codes. The board announced it will intensify patrols to identify and penalize those engaging in private conversations or meetings in vehicles, aiming to uphold the state's Sharia law and cultural values.
Dr. Mujahiddin Aminuddin, Deputy Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, emphasized the necessity of this move to curb immoral behavior, stating that such seclusion between unrelated men and women is unacceptable and contrary to Islamic teachings. He urged parents to monitor their children's movements more closely to prevent these encounters.
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions among Kano residents. Some parents and Islamic scholars, like Malam Ibrahim Sani, support the crackdown, viewing it as a vital step to protect youth from moral decay. Hajiya Fatima Yusuf, a mother of six, expressed relief, saying the Hisbah's intervention is crucial to guide and safeguard children from sinful behavior.
Conversely, other parents caution against heavy-handed enforcement. Engr. Kabiru Abdullahi warned that excessive policing might provoke rebellion among youths, advocating instead for dialogue and better parenting. Mrs. Aisha Bello highlighted the challenges parents face in monitoring teenagers and called for collaborative efforts between the government, religious bodies, and families to educate young people rather than relying solely on punishment.
This initiative is part of the Hisbah Board’s broader role in enforcing Islamic moral standards in Kano, which has previously included actions against gambling, inappropriate hairstyles, and gender mixing. The new focus on private meetings in cars underscores ongoing efforts to maintain social discipline in line with religious values in the ancient city.
