Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered an immediate halt to the activities of a group reportedly operating as a Hisbah Sharia police in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
The governor described the group’s activities as illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable, directing security agencies to identify, arrest and investigate those allegedly behind the operation and prosecute them where found culpable.
Mutfwang’s directive followed reports that members of the group had allegedly intimidated, harassed and extorted residents, while imposing unauthorised rules and restrictions on members of the public.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, the governor warned all persons involved in the alleged activities to desist or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mutfwang stressed that Plateau State has one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, maintaining that no individual or group has the right to assume powers not conferred upon it by law.
He said the state government would not tolerate the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or group attempting to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework.
“No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State. The responsibility for enforcing the law belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law,” the governor stated.
Mutfwang therefore directed security agencies in the state to identify, arrest and investigate persons involved in the reported activities and prosecute them if found guilty.
The governor, however, clarified that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community.
“This directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law,” he said.
According to him, the issue before the government is strictly one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority.
He emphasised that every resident of Plateau State has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.
Mutfwang reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preserving Plateau’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds.
“Governor Mutfwang will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme,” the statement added.
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