Delta Police Arrest Officer Filmed Shooting at Civilian Vehicle in Asaba.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of a police officer captured in a viral video shooting at a civilian vehicle in Asaba, the state capital.

The incident, which reportedly occurred near Toscana Hotel on Okpanam Road on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, showed the officer firing at the tire of a moving car during what appeared to be a routine traffic stop. Though no injuries were reported, the video sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the act as reckless and dangerous.

Reacting to the viral footage, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, said in a statement on Wednesday that the officer involved had been identified, summoned, and detained at the Command Headquarters in Asaba. He described the officer’s behavior as “unprofessional and unbecoming of a law enforcement officer.”

“The Command has reviewed the viral video showing a police officer firing at a moving vehicle in Asaba. The conduct was clearly unprofessional and unacceptable,” Bright said. “No officer is permitted to use a firearm without due justification as outlined in Force Order 237. Every policeman’s duty is to protect lives and property, not to endanger them.”

He noted that while preliminary information indicated the officer was reacting to a hit-and-run incident, such an act still did not justify the use of firearms under the law.

According to Bright, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a thorough investigation and immediate disciplinary action, assuring that appropriate sanctions will be taken in accordance with the Police Act and internal regulations.

The Delta Police Command further appealed to residents to remain calm, adding that the Force remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and the protection of lives and property across the state.

FG, Senate Leaders Head to Washington to Stop US Sanctions Over Christian Genocide.

Top officials of the Federal Government and the National Assembly are set to travel to Washington D.C. in a diplomatic move to stop possible United States sanctions over alleged persecution and genocide of Christians in Nigeria.

The high-powered delegation, which includes federal lawmakers, senior military officers, and heads of security agencies, will meet with members of the U.S. Congress to clarify Nigeria’s position and counter the growing narrative of “Christian genocide.”

The trip follows an urgent resolution by the 10th Senate, sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume, who urged the government to “put the record straight” and prevent sanctions against the country.

According to sources, the delegation will present evidence to prove that the security crisis in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but rather a result of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. The team is expected to depart Abuja early next week.

In recent months, U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups have increased pressure on Nigeria over rising attacks on Christian communities. Senator Ted Cruz recently accused Nigeria of “mass murder” of Christians and introduced the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (S.2747).

The proposed bill seeks to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a move that could trigger travel bans, arms restrictions, and other economic sanctions.

The Nigerian Senate had earlier dismissed the genocide allegations as “false and dangerous,” warning that such claims could damage the country’s image and inflame religious tensions.

Lawmakers maintained that the ongoing violence is complex and tied to criminality and resource struggles, not state-backed religious persecution.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that between January 2020 and September 2025, over 11,800 civilian attacks were recorded in Nigeria. Among them, 385 incidents involved Christian victims, while 196 targeted Muslims, reflecting the widespread nature of insecurity across regions.

Trump should move against Tinubu govt; Nigerian military stands by as Fulani herdsmen murder Christians: New York Post.

President Donald Trump has again been called upon to move against the Nigerian government as its military forces “simply stand by as militant Fulani Muslim herdsmen assault their Christian neighbors in the nation’s Middle Belt. The latest call was made by the New York Post.

The newspaper, in its editorial, charged the U.S. president to “act” and “call out the deadly persecution of Nigerian Christians”.

“Government forces do battle Boko Haram and other Islamist terror groups that brutally terrorise Christians and non-Christians in northern Nigeria, but they simply stand by as militant Fulani Muslim herdsmen assault their Christian neighbors in the nation’s Middle Belt,” the publication stated.

The editorial said “Team Trump should act on its own”, albeit Senator Ted Cruz’s push for a law that sanctions Nigerian officials who facilitate or permit jihadist attacks against Christians and other religious minorities. The publication noted that since 2009, the “persecution” of Christians has resulted in 18,000 churches destroyed, 50,000 Christians murdered, and five million more displaced.

“It’s not Washington’s job to right all the world’s wrongs, but Uncle Sam can at least condemn these ongoing atrocities,” said the newspaper.

Some U.S. lawmakers have condemned the killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing them as “genocide”. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed the killings as such.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu’s government has continued to deny the claim.

“Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded,” stated the Nigerian president. “Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side—not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

Mr Tinubu added, “We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.”

Six Nigerian nationals have been placed under US sanctions due to their alleged support for Boko Haram, the State and Treasury Departments announced on Friday.

All six, identified as Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad, were convicted of attempting to set up a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Treasury said in a statement.

“With this action, the United States joins the UAE in targeting terrorist financing networks of mutual concern,” Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson said.

“Treasury continues to target financial facilitators of terrorist activity worldwide. We welcome multilateral action on this Boko Haram network to ensure that it is not able to move any further funds through the international financial system,” he added.

The men were convicted in the UAE of attempting to send $782,000 from Dubai to Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Adamu and Muhammad were sentenced to life in prison for violating the emirates' anti-terrorism laws, while Musa, Yusuf, Isa and Alhassan received sentences of 10 years in prison followed by deportation.#bokoharamhistory

Reps Reject U.S. Senate’s Genocide Claim Against Christians in Nigeria.

The House of Representatives has dismissed the U.S. Senate’s claim describing Nigeria’s insecurity as genocide against Christians or state-sponsored persecutiom, saying it misrepresents the country’s true situation.

The decision followed a motion by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, titled “Urgent Need for a Coordinated Diplomatic and Domestic Response to the Proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (U.S. Senate Bill S.2747)”.

Kalu said the U.S. bill, introduced on September 9, 2025, which seeks to label Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act, is based on incomplete assessments. 

He stressed that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that insecurity is multi-causal, driven by insurgency, banditry, separatism, and communal clashes—not religion.

Lawmakers warned that the U.S. claim could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and strain diplomatic ties. Julius Ihonvbere called for swift diplomatic engagement, while Oluwole Oke described the claim as a “deliberate attempt to damage Nigeria’s image.”

The House reaffirmed constitutional religious freedom, condemned all forms of violence, and rejected the U.S. Senate’s portrayal of Nigeria’s crisis. 

It also directed the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington to lodge a diplomatic protest and present factual data to U.S. and international bodies.

CAN dismisses Christian genocide claims, says terrorist attacks patternless.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed claims of an ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria as peddled by foreign agents.

Recently, US comedian and HBO host Bill Maher made an allegation about Christian genocide in Nigeria, blaming it on Islamists in the country.

“I’m not a Christian, but they are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria. They’ve killed over a hundred thousand since 2009. They’ve burnt 18,000 churches. These are the Islamists, Boko Haram. This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza.

They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country,” Maher said.

Also, US Senator Ted Cruz accused Nigerian government officials of “ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists.”

He also lamented that Nigerian Christians are being targeted and executed for their faith by Islamist terrorist groups, adding that they “are being forced to submit to sharia law and blasphemy laws across Nigeria. It is long past time to impose real costs on the Nigerian officials who facilitate these activities…”

Calling for those responsible to be held accountable, the Texas Senator said he has introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act to the US Senate, which would target these officials with powerful sanctions and other tools.

Additionally, Riley Moore, the member representing West Virginia’s 2nd District in the United States Congress, wrote a letter to the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, urging him to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

CAN Refutes Claims of Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has refuted claims of an ongoing Christian genocide in the country, describing such reports as misleading and influenced by foreign interests.

The clarification follows comments by US comedian and HBO host Bill Maher, who alleged that Islamists in Nigeria were “systematically killing Christians,” claiming over 100,000 deaths and the burning of 18,000 churches since 2009. Similarly, US Senator Ted Cruz accused Nigerian officials of “ignoring and even facilitating” mass killings of Christians, saying he has introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act to impose sanctions on those responsible.

Also, US lawmaker Riley Moore urged the US Secretary of State to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern & suspend arms sales until the government shows commitment to protecting Christians. However, the Nigerian Presidency dismissed the allegations, stating there is no religious war in the country.

If you’re in the UK illegally you will be detained and deported — Kemi Badenoch Unveils “Radical Borders Plan”.

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has unveiled what she calls the “toughest reforms Britain has ever seen” on immigration, announcing a sweeping new plan aimed at tightening border controls and expelling illegal migrants more rapidly.

In a video message shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Badenoch launched a new Removals Force, modelled on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, tasked with deporting 150,000 illegal migrants every year.

“My message is clear: if you’re here illegally, you will be detained and deported,” she declared. Dubbed the “Radical Borders Plan,” the proposal includes a series of hardline measures: banning asylum claims from illegal entrants, withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repealing the Human Rights Act, and fast-tracking deportations within one week.

The plan also calls for visa sanctions on countries that refuse to take back their citizens. Badenoch sharply criticised previous Conservative and Labour governments for what she described as decades of failure on immigration policy. She accused Labour of record illegal crossings and mismanagement of taxpayer funds spent on asylum accommodation.

“Successive governments have failed on immigration,” she said. “Labour promised to smash the gangs. Instead, in just a year, they delivered record small boat crossings — over 50,000 illegal arrivals, 32,000 people in asylum hotels, and billions wasted. It’s pure weakness.”

The Conservative leader argued that her proposed reforms would “shut down the asylum hotel racket,” save billions of pounds in public spending, and restore public trust in the country’s border system.

“Only the Conservatives have a serious, credible plan to deliver stronger borders,” Badenoch concluded. “If you come here illegally, you will be deported.”

Alleged killing of Christians: Onanuga warns Senator Cruz as US lawmakers move to sanction Nigerian politicians.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, has issued a stern warning to Senator Ted Cruz representing the State of Texas in the United States Senate.

Onanuga warned the lawmaker against propagating malicious lies against Nigeria on the issue of Christians being targeted in the country.

The presidential aide was reacting to Senator Cruz’s post on X where he accused officials in Nigeria of ignoring and even facilitating the mass murer of Christians by Islamist jihadists.

The lawmaker said that his “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act would target these officials with powerful sanctions and other tools,” he wrote on X.

The lawmaker added, “It’s time to hold those responsible accountable.”

In a response, Onanuga wrote, “Senator, stop these malicious, contrived lies against my country. We do not have a religious war in my country.

“The degraded Boko Haram terrorists operating on the fringes of Nigeria’s North east target everyone. They attack farmers, our soldiers. The bandits in the North west kill worshippers in their mosques.

“Christians are not targeted. We have religious harmony in our country. Stop these malicious lies.”

NIS Begins Crackdown on Foreigners with Expired Visas From October 1.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched enforcement against foreign nationals who overstayed their visas or breached entry conditions, following the expiration of the Federal Government’s Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) on September 30, 2025.

The program, introduced in May 2025, gave foreigners with expired immigration status the chance to regularize their stay or exit Nigeria without penalties. 

Initially set for three months, the grace period was later extended to September 30.

In a notice signed by ACI Kinsola Akinlabi, NIS spokesperson, the agency confirmed that from October 1, enforcement would begin nationwide. The crackdown targets holders of expired Visas on Arrival, expired short visit or business visas, and lapsed Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Cards (CERPAC).

Penalties for violators include, Less than 3 months overstay: removal, $15 daily fine, or 2-year entry ban, 3 months to 1 year: removal, $15 daily fine, or 5-year ban, over 1 year removal, 10-year ban, or permanent ban.

The NIS stressed that foreigners who fail to regularize their status will face sanctions ranging from fines to deportation and entry restrictions. 

The Service said the enforcement is part of ongoing reforms, including the shift to e-Visas and automated immigration processes, aimed at strengthening national security and order.

Flood: Ikota, Lekki residents urge Lagos govt to enforce planning laws.

Residents of Ikota and the Lekki axis have sent a Save-Our-Souls (SOS) appeal to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging urgent enforcement of planning laws in the area to curb recurring flooding.

They described Tuesday’s downpour as yet another nightmare that left homes and roads completely submerged.

According to the residents, the floods submerged streets, destroyed businesses, and forced families to scramble to salvage what little they could.

“This is no way to live,” a distraught resident lamented. “Every rainfall is a disaster. We are losing everything while the government watches.”

The residents blamed the flooding on man-made causes, particularly illegal structures built on canals and drainage channels notably System 156 and 157 drainage channels. They accused developers of blocking waterways and the state government of failing to enforce its own planning regulations.

“Until the government restores this area according to the original master plan, the flooding will not stop,” another homeowner said while standing in knee-deep water.

Urban planners confirm that Lagos’ master plan prohibits construction on waterways, but enforcement has been weak and sometimes selective. Many residents believe that powerful developers are shielded from sanctions, leaving ordinary Lagosians to bear the brunt of the consequences.

Beyond property damage, the flooding has displaced families, destroyed livelihoods, and posed serious health risks as stagnant water increases the potential for disease outbreaks.

Environmental advocates warn that Lagos is heading toward a major disaster unless canals are urgently cleared and illegal encroachments removed.
“Every illegal structure is a ticking time bomb for nearby communities once the rains return,” an activist cautioned.

US Vows Visa Ban for Corrupt Nigerian Officials.

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling corruption, warning that no individual, regardless of their influence or position, will be exempt from sanctions.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, the Mission stressed that the fight against corruption transcends borders and high-profile individuals found guilty of such practices could face strict consequences, including visa restrictions.

“Fighting corruption knows no borders or limits on accountability. Even when high-profile individuals engage in corruption, they can be barred from receiving U.S. visas,” the Mission declared.

The announcement is seen as part of Washington’s ongoing efforts to pressure Nigeria and other countries battling widespread corruption to strengthen accountability and governance systems.

Over the years, the United States has imposed similar restrictions on government officials, politicians, and business figures linked to corrupt practices in Nigeria, often barring them and their families from entering U.S. territory.

Observers say the latest warning signals Washington’s readiness to intensify scrutiny, especially at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with corruption scandals cutting across various sectors.

The move is also likely to serve as a deterrent, as the U.S. continues to position itself as a partner in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Africa’s largest democracy.

Wike Dragged Before US Govt Over Newly-Acquired Florida Mansions, Faces Visa Ban.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been dragged before the United States government over alleged unlawful acquisition of multimillion-dollar properties in Florida.

Activist Omoyele Sowore, in a petition dated September 22, 2025, asked the Florida attorney general, James Uthmeier, to prosecute Mr Wike for alleged money laundering and to initiate forfeiture proceedings against the assets.

The petition, signed by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, also urged U.S. authorities to impose sanctions and visa bans on the minister.

The petition, citing Peoples Gazette’s September 1 report and supported with three claim deeds as exhibits, alleged that Mr Wike, with the assistance of his wife, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, secretly purchased three luxury lakeside homes in Winter Springs, Seminole County, between 2021 and 2023. The properties, now valued at over $6 million, were reportedly transferred to their children — Jordan, 25, Joaquin, 23, and Jazmyne, 20.

The identified homes are: 113 Springcreek Lane, bought for $535,000 and transferred to Jordan; 209 Hertherwood Court, bought for $459,157 and transferred to Joaquin; and 208 Hertherwood Court, bought for $465,000 and transferred to Jazmyne.

According to the petition, all three purchases were made in cash using quitclaim deeds, a transfer mechanism often used within families but vulnerable to exploitation for concealing illicit funds.

“These transactions, executed in cash and hidden under the names of his children, form a deliberate scheme to launder the proceeds of corruption into U.S. real estate,” the petition stated.

Mr Sowore further alleged that the properties were never declared to Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau, thereby breaching the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, which requires public officers to disclose all assets.

Trump issues an ultimatum for NATO countries on Russia sanctions

Tinubu Orders Tighter Oversight of Crypto Transctons and Digital Payments

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other regulators to intensify monitoring of cryptocurrency and digital payment activities.

Speaking through Finance Minister Wale Edun at the 18th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja, Tinubu noted that the rapid adoption of stablecoins and digital currencies outside traditional banks poses challenges.

“There is a digital revolution. Many people now make payments without using the banking system. To this end, I have directed capital market and banking authorities to track this trend while it is still evolving,” he said.

He stressed that digital tools, AI, and open banking are no longer futuristic but essential for Nigeria’s economic growth.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso also revealed that diaspora remittances, now at $600m monthly, could reach $1billion by 2026. CIBN President Prof. Pius Olanrewaju disclosed that since 2024, 16 banks have raised over N2.5 trillion in fresh capital, while private sector credit has surged above N82 trillion, boosting jobs and businesses.
The renewed focus comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing legal battles with Binance Holdings Ltd. The government is demanding over $79.5 billion and ₦231m in damages, along with $2.001 billion in alleged unpaid taxes for 2022 and 2023. The crypto firm and its executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, face multiple charges including tax evasion, money laundering, and foreign exchange violations.

The cases, currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, also seek penalties for tax defaults, interest charges tied to CBN’s lending rate, and other sanctions. Authorities allege Binance concealed operations despite its significant presence in Nigeria.

#Instablog9jaNews #TrendingStory #Awareness

Wike Slams N5m Fines on Ganduje, Idiagbon, Oyinlola, Others for Illegal Land Conversion.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has imposed N5 million fines on former APC Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and several prominent Nigerians for illegally altering the use of their properties in Abuja.

The sanctions affect both living and deceased persons, as well as public and private institutions, accused of converting their lands without approval, thereby violating the right of occupancy terms.

In a newspaper notice, Wike directed all affected allottees to pay the penalty fee within 30 days, by September 10, 2025. The order followed a review of land use in 15 streets across Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2, Garki 1, and Garki 2. He also approved the issuance of new title documents reflecting updated land use for a fresh 99-year term once conditions are met.

The FCT administration alleged that Ganduje converted a residence at Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse 2, into a banking hall without approval. A property at Gana Street, Maitama, belonging to the late Gen. Tunde Idiagbon, was turned into Serendib Hotel and Suites, while former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola allegedly converted a residence at Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro, into Zhouyi Hotel.

Two former Chief Justices of Nigeria were also listed. Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams’ Maitama residence was reportedly changed into a wood factory and shopping centre, while Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar’s land was converted into a supermarket.

Senator Shehu Sani was sanctioned for turning a residence at Aminu Kano Crescent into a showroom. Others include former Governors Forum DG Okauru Okauru (residence converted to showroom), Lt. Gen. Rufus Kupolati (residence to gym), former FCT Minister Abba Gana (residence at Usuma, Maitama, redesigned into a mall), the NNPC (residential property to NNPC Medical Services), and the Nigeria Police (public place converted for POWA use).

Over 6,400 Candidates At Risk As JAMB Panel Submits UTME Malpractice Report

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says its Special Committee on Examination Infractions will submit its final report today, September 8, 2025, amid ongoing controversies over widespread cheating in this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The committee, chaired by Dr. Jake Epelle, was set up in August to probe 6,458 withheld results linked to impersonation, AI-assisted cheating, and server hacking during the April–May exams.

If found guilty, candidates risk cancellation of results, disqualification from future exams, or prosecution. Education stakeholders say the report could reshape Nigeria’s exam system, as JAMB faces pressure to balance sanctions with fairness to innocent candidates.

FCCPC Unveils Rules To End Loan App Harassment, Impose ₦100m Sanctions
By Nosakhale Akhimien | Updated September 3, 2025

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has introduced new regulations to curb harassment, data breaches, and other unethical practices by digital lenders in Nigeria.

Unveiled by FCCPC CEO Tunji Bello in Abuja, the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Consumer Lending Regulation) 2025—effective from July 21—mandate all digital lenders to register with the Commission within 90 days and comply with strict transparency and consumer protection standards.

Key provisions include a ban on pre-authorised lending, unethical marketing, and automatic loan approvals, while requiring clear loan terms, data protection, and local ownership of at least one service provider for airtime and data lending.

Non-compliant operators face fines of up to ₦100 million or 1% of turnover, with possible director disqualification for five years. The FCCPC also urged consumers to report unlawful or unregistered loan apps and exploitative practices.

Khana Traditional Rulers Back Tinubu On HYPREP Board Appointment, Others
By Deborah Agbalama | Updated September 4, 2025

The Khana Local Government Traditional Rulers’ Council has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Ogoni indigenes into key national positions, including the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Board of Trustees.

In a communiqué signed by Chairman HRM Swano Lumani after a press briefing in Bori, the council said the appointments reflect the wishes of the people and pledged full support for Mr. Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah as Chairman of the Ogoni Trust Fund (HYPREP).

They also commended Tinubu for establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland and naming Prof. Don Baridam as Pro-Chancellor.

The council congratulated Bariere Thomas on his emergence as Khana LGA Chairman, urging him and the councillors to run an inclusive government.

The rulers warned against sustained media attacks on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Deeyah, and other Ogoni leaders, stressing that such actions would attract sanctions.

Bauchi Hisbah Bans DJs, Mixed Gatherings, and Cultural Events in New Social Guidelines

The Hisbah Command of the Bauchi State Sharia Commission has issued new regulations governing social events, including weddings, birthdays, and festivals, citing rising complaints of social vices and public disturbances.

In a circular dated July 16, 2025, and signed by Permanent Commissioner Barrister Aminu Balarabe Isah, Hisbah outlined a series of prohibitions under the document titled “Guidelines Governing the Conduct of Marriage Ceremonies and Other Festivals in Bauchi State.”

Among the restrictions are bans on Disk Jockeys (DJs), mixed-gender gatherings, and women’s attendance at male events. The guidelines also prohibit dancing between men and women in the presence of children, the sale or consumption of alcohol, and entry into venues with weapons.

Other directives include gender-based seating arrangements, suspension of activities during prayer times, observance of traditional dress codes, and strict segregation of events—men at male gatherings and women at female gatherings.

Traditional and cultural activities such as Sharo, Shadi, Garaya, and Kauyawa Day were also outlawed, along with DJ entertainment, gala nights, and Aloba. Gambling, prostitution, p@rnography, and birthdays considered to encourage imm+rality were equally banned.

“All recreational centers, clubs, and cultural organisations must comply with these directives or face sanctions,” the circular warned.

Confirming the development, Bauchi Hisbah Commander Muhammad Muhammad Bununu said: “Yes, it is from us. We issued it."