Kano Hisbah police
The Kano State Hisbah Board arrested 19 persons during a raid on a hotel in Nasarawa Government Reserved Area (GRA), Kano, over alleged immoral activities.
The Deputy Commander-General of the board, Dr. Mujahidden Aminuddeen, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
He said that the suspects, comprised 12 females and seven males, most of who are in their 20s, were non residents of Kano, but from different states.
According to him, the board carried out the operation as part of its mandate to curb social vices and protect public morality in the state.
“It is unfortunate that many of those arrested are young people who should be pursuing meaningful lives, but have instead become involved in activities capable of ruining their future,” he said.
Aminuddeen said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the case.
He said that the suspects, if found culpable after its investigation, would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Hisbah deputy commander-general said that those found to be first-time offenders might be counselled, warned and released, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
He also alleged that the hotel accommodated underage persons, describing the development as a violation of the laws regulating hotel operations in the state.
One of the suspects, Aisha Nura Muhammad, 22, said she travelled to Kano from Abuja.
She said Hisbah operatives entered the hotel after knocking on the door of her room and identifying themselves as hotel management.
According to her, the officers later identified themselves and asked the occupants to accompany them for questioning.
Another suspect, Hajara, 26, said she regretted her actions and had resolved to return to her family after receiving counselling from the board.
“I have realised what I did was wrong. I regret my actions and intend to return to my family,” she said.
Another suspect, Aisha Muhammad, 22, from Yola, Adamawa State, said she travelled to Kano at the invitation of her fiancé after he sent her transport fare and money for hotel accommodation.
She said they were arrested shortly after checking into the hotel.
A male suspect, Umar Hasan, confirmed inviting Aisha to Kano.
Hasan said they met about two weeks earlier and that he sent her money for transportation before they lodged at the hotel together.
Aminuddeen said investigations were continuing and assured that the board would ensure due process in handling the matter.
Efforts by NAN to obtain the reaction of the hotel management were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. (NAN)
