…Demands urgent security probe
By Lubem Gena, Abuja
December 10, 2025 — The Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption (GCCLAC), a coalition of civil rights groups, has condemned what it described as the “dangerous and unconstitutional” emergence of a parallel Hisbah formation in Kano State.
The organisation made the declaration at a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday in a text of the address signed by Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, Convener of GCCLAC, and Mallam Mohammed Sadiq, Secretary.
The group expressed concern over reports of a new organisation known as Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi, allegedly backed by associates of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The development, it warned, poses a grave threat to national security, democratic order, and Nigeria’s already fragile stability.
“This is not merely a political spat but a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s fragile security architecture and constitutional order,” said GCCLAC Convener, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel.
“Seeds of Anarchy”
The coalition argued that the existence of a privately funded, politically aligned, and unregulated enforcement outfit standing parallel to the legally constituted Kano State Hisbah Board represents a direct assault on the authority of the state.
GCCLAC stated: “Allowing this group to operate would set a dangerous precedent that empowers political actors to create private, armed, or quasi-security militias, fundamentally undermining the rule of law.”
The organisation warned of potential violent clashes between the official Hisbah Board and the new group, public confusion over the legitimacy of enforcement actions, and a possible “erosion of state authority.”
Risk of Extremism
GCCLAC drew a stark parallel with the early evolution of Boko Haram, cautioning that unregulated youth-based groups often become breeding grounds for radicalisation.
“What starts as moral policing can quickly evolve into a fully-fledged private militia,” it stated, adding that the reported mobilisation of 12,000 youths under the new structure mirrors the early formation patterns of extremist groups that later became security threats.
Funding Under Suspicion
A large portion of the briefing focused on the financial sources behind the alleged parallel Hisbah.
According to Dr. Gabriel, “the mobilisation and sustenance of a 12,000-personnel group requires significant and sustained financial resources,” raising concerns about diversion of public funds, money laundering, or links to illicit criminal networks.
GCCLAC also urged security agencies to investigate potential terror financing connections, noting that Nigeria must remain vigilant under global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines.
“The funds used to sustain such a large-scale private group could provide a direct financial pipeline… capable of facilitating arms proliferation or militant activities,” the group warned.
Three-Point Call to Action
The coalition urged the Kano State Government and federal security agencies to take immediate steps to avert what it called an unfolding security crisis:
1. Immediate Disbandment: A public declaration naming the “Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi” as illegal and a threat to state security.
2. Comprehensive Investigation: A joint inquiry by the Nigeria Police, DSS, and NFIU into the promoters, structure, funding sources, and possible political or terror-linked motivations.
3. Youth Engagement: Urgent socioeconomic interventions to prevent vulnerable youths from being exploited by political actors.
Time for Decisive Action
In its closing remarks, GCCLAC issued a strong warning to government authorities:
“Allowing the emergence of a parallel Hisbah group… with alleged deep political ties and untraced funding, is equivalent to planting a seed of anarchy and future violence. The time for decisive action is now.”
Below are images taken during the briefing.
