Plateau JNI Denies Hisbah Group in Jos North, Says No Legal Approval Exists

The Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, has denied reports that a Muslim organisation established a Hisbah Corps in Jos North Local Government Area, amid public concerns over alleged harassment, intimidation and extortion.

The controversy followed claims that members of an alleged religious and moral enforcement group were imposing unauthorised rules and restrictions on residents in parts of Jos North. The reports triggered widespread reactions, including intervention by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Mutfwang rejected the reported establishment of the group and ordered an immediate suspension of its activities. He also directed security agencies to identify and investigate those behind the alleged operation.

But the Plateau JNI said it was not aware of any Islamic organisation in the state planning to establish a Hisbah Corps. The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the organisation’s state secretary, Dr Salim Musa Umar, on Tuesday.

Umar said the controversy was largely fuelled by social media posts, including images allegedly created with artificial intelligence that gave the impression that a Hisbah group had been established in Jos North.

“I want to assure the people that no Islamic organisation in Plateau has come out to say it wants to establish Hisbah. There is nothing like that. It has never been discussed, and it is not part of what is being considered,” Umar said.

He stressed that a Hisbah organisation could not legally operate in the state without enabling legislation from the Plateau State House of Assembly. According to him, no such law has been passed by the state government.

“Hisbah cannot be established without a law from the State House of Assembly, and the government has not done that. Therefore, people cannot simply come out and claim that they have established Hisbah,” he added.

The JNI secretary urged residents and social media users to verify information before sharing it, warning that misleading content could inflame tensions and undermine peaceful coexistence in Plateau State.