The Yobe State Hisbah Commission has announced a sweeping ban on the mixing of unrelated men and women in public spaces across the state. According to a public notice issued on January 6, the prohibition applies to public transportation, event venues, and any form of gathering, as part of an effort to “uphold the Islamic values of our society.”
The directive, signed by Commission Coordinator Muhammad Yahudi, also forbids private conversations between men and women if conducted in a manner deemed inconsistent with Islamic teachings. Additionally, the notice prohibits reckless driving and speeding by vehicles and tricycles during festive periods such as Sallah celebrations and weddings.
“All residents and visitors are urged to observe these directives strictly in order to maintain peace, safety, and uphold the Islamic values of our society,” the commission stated.
Yobe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, operates under the Hisbah—a religious police force tasked with enforcing Sharia law, which has been in place in the state since the early 2000s. The commission emphasized that the measures are intended to preserve moral conduct and social order.
The announcement is expected to impact daily commuting, social events, and public interactions throughout the state. There has been no immediate statement from the state government or responses from civil society organizations regarding the new regulations.
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