A muslim activist, Suleiman A. Abubakar, has urged the Adamawa State Government to temporarily suspend Hisbah activities in parts of the state pending a review of the groups’ legal status, leadership and operational procedures.
Abubakar said the reported presence of multiple Hisbah groups in communities including Ngurore, Wauro Jabbe, Gombi and Mubi had raised questions about their authority, coordination and accountability.
In a statement titled “Adamawa Must Not Become a Battleground of Religious Factionalism: No to Hisbah, Yes to the Muslim Council, Peace and Freedom,” the activist called on the government to work with the Muslim Council of Adamawa State and other stakeholders to address the concerns.
He argued that groups operating without clearly defined responsibilities, transparent leadership and effective oversight could create tensions, particularly where their mandates overlap or their members issue conflicting directives.
However, he acknowledged that the existence of multiple groups did not automatically mean violence would occur, insisting that their activities should be assessed to determine whether they comply with applicable laws and support peaceful coexistence.
Abubakar said a temporary suspension would allow the authorities to examine the groups’ legal foundations, organisational structures, objectives and effects on communities.
He described the proposal as a preventive measure rather than a blanket condemnation of everyone associated with Hisbah.
The activist also called for clear procedures through which residents could report intimidation, harassment, discrimination and alleged abuses of authority.
“No religious group should be permitted to intimidate citizens, impose beliefs through coercion, or undertake enforcement activities without lawful authority,” he said.
Abubakar maintained that freedom of religion, conscience, expression and association must be respected, adding that religious organisations should not use their activities to restrict the lawful freedoms of others.
His concerns follow an earlier controversy over restrictions on pre-wedding celebrations in Yola South Local Government Area which was reported by religion journalism foundation last week.
In a report published on 17 October, TG News said Abubakar had challenged a directive attributed to a Hisbah commander concerning activities including zanen lalle, Fulani Day, Kauyawa Day and DJ night parties.
The report said the activist questioned the legal basis for the reported restrictions and called on the state government to clarify Hisbah’s authority and investigate the matter. However, the report noted that the announcement attributed to the commander had not been independently confirmed at the time of publication.
Beyond the question of enforcement, Abubakar urged the Muslim Council of Adamawa State to strengthen dialogue among different Islamic traditions and promote cooperation between Muslim and Christian leaders, traditional institutions, youth groups, women and civil society organisations.
He said the council should prioritise religious education, mediation, community engagement and peaceful conflict resolution rather than allowing disagreements to deepen divisions.
The activist also called for an independent assessment of the groups’ leadership, funding, activities, legal status, community acceptance and contribution to peace and security.
He urged the authorities to investigate credible allegations of intimidation, harassment, unlawful enforcement and religious discrimination, with appropriate action taken where wrongdoing was established.
Abubakar further asked the Muslim Council to review its relationship with Hisbah and determine whether the groups’ continued recognition was consistent with the council’s responsibilities and applicable law.
He said the authorities should consider formally discontinuing the groups if an independent review found that their operations lacked adequate accountability, were unnecessary or were incompatible with the law.
However, he cautioned against treating theological differences or religious affiliations as evidence of wrongdoing.
The activist specifically noted that not everyone associated with Salafism or Wahhabism supported violence, stressing that his objections concerned coercion, intolerance and attempts to restrict other people’s lawful freedoms.
He called on religious institutions to promote understanding and reconciliation while respecting the religious and cultural diversity of Adamawa State.
Abubakar urged the state government and the Muslim Council to work with relevant stakeholders towards a peaceful and lawful resolution of the concerns surrounding Hisbah activities.
