BREAKING NEWS: Kano Hisba Board Arrests 25 Over Alleged Same-Sex Marriage in Hotoro
The Kano State Hisba Board has arrested no fewer than 25 persons for allegedly organizing and participating in a same-sex marriage ceremony in the Hotoro area of Kano metropolis, sparking widespread discussions across Nigeria about morality, religion, and human rights.
Confirming the arrests on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Deputy Commander of the Hisba Board, Mujahedeen Aminudeen, said the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation on Saturday night, October 25, at the Fatima Event Centre located along the Hotoro bypass in Kano.
Hisba’s Official Statement
In an official statement made available to journalists, Aminudeen said the operation followed intelligence reports alleging that a group of people had planned to hold a same-sex wedding ceremony at the popular event centre.
“Today, Saturday, 25th October 2025, we got a report that some people were allegedly organising a same sex marriage at a known venue. Upon receiving the information, our operatives immediately mobilised to the scene, where we arrested 25 persons, comprising 18 males and seven females,” Aminudeen explained.
According to him, Hisba officers stormed the event centre in the middle of the alleged ceremony, bringing the gathering to an abrupt halt. He said several items, including musical instruments, event decorations, and ceremonial outfits, were recovered from the venue as evidence.
Aminudeen noted that the suspects were currently being profiled for further investigation and possible prosecution under both Kano State Sharia laws and the federal legislation that prohibits same-sex relationships in Nigeria.
“Our operatives acted swiftly based on credible intelligence. We will not tolerate acts that go against Islamic teachings and moral standards. Those found guilty will face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
Background: Hisba’s Mandate and Role in Kano
The Kano State Hisba Board was established in 2003 to enforce Sharia law and uphold Islamic moral standards within the state. The agency, often referred to as the “moral police”, conducts regular raids to curb behaviors it considers immoral, such as alcohol consumption, gambling, prostitution, indecent dressing, and same-sex relationships.
Operating as part of Kano’s religious and social order, the Hisba Board enjoys broad support from conservative and religious communities, though its activities have frequently drawn criticism from human rights advocates and secular organizations.
Under Kano State’s Sharia penal code, same-sex relationships are deemed unlawful, with severe penalties prescribed for those found guilty. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA) signed into law in 2014 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan also criminalizes such unions across Nigeria, prescribing up to 14 years imprisonment for offenders.
This dual framework — federal law and Sharia law — means offenders in Kano could face both civil and religious prosecution, depending on the outcome of investigations.
Investigation Underway
The Hisba Deputy Commander further stated that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the identities and individual roles of those arrested. He confirmed that the suspects would be handed over to other law enforcement agencies, including the Kano State Police Command, for prosecution once initial Hisba inquiries are concluded.
“We are currently interrogating the suspects to determine their level of involvement. Once we complete our investigation, we will transfer the case to the appropriate authorities for further legal action,” Aminudeen added.
Efforts to get official comments from the Kano Police Command were unsuccessful as of Sunday afternoon. However, a source within the command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed awareness of the arrests and said the matter would be handled according to the law.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The arrests have sparked heated reactions across social media platforms and within Kano itself. Many residents have praised the Hisba Board for “protecting moral values” and enforcing Islamic laws, while others have expressed concern over the implications for human rights and personal freedoms.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, users debated whether Hisba’s intervention aligns with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions guaranteeing individual liberty and freedom of association.
A resident of Hotoro, who witnessed the arrest and spoke anonymously, told reporters that the event initially appeared to be “a simple birthday party” before Hisba operatives stormed the venue.
“We thought it was just a birthday or engagement party. Suddenly, Hisba operatives arrived in numbers, and everyone started running. Later, we heard they said it was a same-sex marriage ceremony,” the eyewitness said.
The Hisba Board, however, maintains that its actions were based on credible intelligence, dismissing suggestions that it acted on mere suspicion.
Legal and Human Rights Perspectives
The development is expected to draw strong responses from human rights organizations, both locally and internationally. Rights activists have long criticized the Hisba Board’s operations, arguing that its methods often violate due process and the constitutional rights of individuals.
Barrister Ifeoma Okoye, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, said the issue highlights Nigeria’s continuing tension between religious law and constitutional democracy.
“While the law prohibits same-sex marriage nationwide, the manner of enforcement must still respect constitutional guarantees of privacy, dignity, and fair hearing. The challenge in Kano is balancing religious enforcement with these broader human rights principles,” she said.
International human rights bodies have also previously criticized similar arrests, noting that the SSMPA contributes to discrimination and violence against sexual minorities.
However, conservative groups and religious leaders in northern Nigeria argue that the Hisba Board’s actions reflect the moral will of the people, consistent with Islamic values and the state’s Sharia-based legal framework.
“Kano is an Islamic state, and we will not allow acts that contradict our faith,” said Sheikh AbdulRahman Ibrahim, an Islamic scholar in the city. “The Hisba Board is simply doing its duty to protect our religious and moral integrity.”
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Hisba operatives have made arrests over alleged same-sex gatherings in Kano. In January 2024, a similar incident occurred when 19 individuals were detained at a suspected same-sex party in the Sabon Gari area. Those suspects were later handed over to the police for prosecution.
In 2021, Hisba also made headlines for arresting young men for allegedly engaging in “cross-dressing” during a birthday celebration, further fueling national debate about morality policing in Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, legal analysts say the case could reignite national conversations on the scope of religious enforcement and the protection of personal liberties under Nigeria’s plural legal system.
The outcome will likely depend on whether prosecutors can establish evidence of a planned or actual same-sex union, which remains a key point under both federal and state laws.
For now, the suspects remain in custody, awaiting the next phase of legal proceedings.
The Kano Hisba Board has vowed to intensify surveillance and maintain its commitment to promoting moral conduct across the state.
“We will continue to uphold Islamic principles in every corner of Kano,” Deputy Commander Aminudeen reiterated. “No act of immorality will be allowed to thrive under our watch.”
