Amnesty International has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged violent assault of Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman by operatives of the Katsina State Hisbah Board on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The incident, which reportedly took place at the Hisbah office in Katsina, has sparked national outrage and renewed concerns about the unchecked powers of Hisbah operatives.
According to Amnesty International, Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman sustained severe injuries, including a fracture, after she was physically attacked by approximately 20 Hisbah officers while inquiring about the whereabouts of her detained relatives. Two of her sisters, who intervened to stop the assault, were also reportedly subjected to beatings and degrading treatment.
In a strongly worded statement, Amnesty described the attack as a “lawless and callous assault” and accused Katsina Hisbah of acting with total disregard for the rule of law. The organization further demanded that all operatives involved in the assault be identified, investigated, and prosecuted for gross human rights violations.
“This violent treatment of women and girls cannot be justified under any law or circumstance,” Amnesty stated. “The government of Katsina State must call Hisbah to order and issue clear directives to ensure that its operatives do not operate outside the boundaries of the law.”
The human rights organization also expressed concern over what it described as a systemic pattern of abuse by the Katsina Hisbah. Their investigations revealed numerous cases where individuals—particularly the poor and vulnerable—were subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture, and public humiliation under the pretext of enforcing morality.
Amnesty further accused Katsina Hisbah of conducting unlawful raids based on vague allegations of “immoral gatherings,” meting out instant and violent punishments not recognized by law. The lack of formal law enforcement training among Hisbah operatives, coupled with the absence of procedural safeguards, has led to widespread abuse and a culture of impunity, the organization said.
“The failure of the Katsina State Government to subject Hisbah to legal accountability continues to embolden impunity and creates a climate of fear,” the statement continued. “Without immediate action and firm sanctions against those involved, such lawlessness will only escalate.”
Amnesty International reiterated its call for the protection of citizens’ rights to fair hearing, freedom of movement, and privacy, warning that Hisbah’s unchecked powers pose a serious threat to civil liberties in Katsina State and beyond.
Human rights advocates and civil society organizations are now urging both federal and state authorities to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further abuses and to restore public trust in institutions meant to serve and protect citizens.
