The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has dismissed reports claiming that it introduced restrictions on Christian worship and religious gatherings in the state.
The Commandant of the board, Dr Usman Jatau, described the allegations as false and misleading, warning that the claims could create unnecessary religious tension.
The controversy followed social media posts alleging that the Hisbah had directed churches to separate male and female worshippers during services. Other claims suggested that pastors were not permitted to sit beside their wives during church activities.
Some of the posts also linked the alleged restrictions to claims of a plan to Islamise Nigeria, beginning with Sokoto State.
Jatau, however, rejected the allegations, explaining that the law establishing the Sokoto State Hisbah Board limits its jurisdiction to Muslims.
He said the board has no legal authority to regulate Christian worship or determine how Christians conduct their religious activities.
“The law establishing the Sokoto State Hisbah Board, as enacted by the Sokoto State House of Assembly, applies only to Muslims,” Jatau said.
The commandant said the board could therefore not dictate whether Christians should hold mixed gatherings, how they organise their church services or how married couples interact during worship.
He described the claims as a distortion of the board’s responsibilities and warned that spreading such information could damage relations between religious communities in the state.
Jatau also cautioned against connecting the Hisbah Board to political claims about an alleged attempt to Islamise Nigeria.
He said such political narratives were unrelated to the statutory duties of the agency and urged those behind the allegations not to associate the board with political campaigns.
The Hisbah chief called on residents and members of the public to disregard the reports and avoid circulating unverified information capable of creating mistrust or hostility between religious groups.
He stressed the need for peaceful coexistence, unity and mutual respect among Christians and Muslims in Sokoto State.
