Kano Hisbah arrests 22 suspected crossdressers over alleged hook-up, drug abuse

Kano Hisbah arrests 22 suspected crossdressers over alleged hook-up, drug abuse

The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested 22 suspected crossdressers in different parts of the state following complaints from residents over alleged immoral activities.

The suspects, comprising 10 women and 12 men, were reportedly arrested around Zoo Road, Court Road and other neighbouring areas in Kano metropolis.

Deputy Commander General of the Kano Hisbah Board, Dr Mujahid Aminuddeen, confirmed the arrests, saying the operation followed complaints received from members of the public.

Aminuddeen said preliminary investigations showed that most of the suspects had entered Kano State from other parts of the country.

He further alleged that the suspects admitted during questioning to engaging in hook-up activities and drug abuse.

The Hisbah official said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged activities and determine the appropriate action against each suspect.

He added that individuals found culpable would face the law, stressing that the arrests did not amount to a final determination of guilt.

The latest operation is part of the Hisbah Board’s intensified enforcement activities in Kano, particularly against conduct the agency considers contrary to the state’s religious and social values.

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Aminuddeen reiterated that the board would not tolerate what it described as acts of immorality in the state, warning that its personnel would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations in areas identified as hotspots.

The development comes amid increased attention on morality enforcement in Kano, with Hisbah officials carrying out operations in hotels, entertainment venues and other locations following complaints or intelligence reports.

In a separate operation earlier in 2026, the board arrested individuals during a raid on a hotel over alleged immoral activities. Hisbah officials have also previously announced arrests involving suspected crossdressers in Kano, particularly around entertainment and social venues.

The board has maintained that its enforcement activities are aimed at protecting public morality and addressing social vices, while critics of such operations have raised questions about due process and the treatment of individuals accused of offences.

The latest arrests have also brought renewed attention to the intersection of cross-dressing, drug abuse and alleged hook-up activities in Kano, particularly as authorities continue efforts to curb what they regard as social vices.

For now, the allegations against the 22 suspects remain subject to investigation. Any prosecution or further action will depend on the outcome of the investigation and the applicable laws.

Aminuddeen said the Kano Hisbah Board would continue working with residents and other relevant authorities to identify and address activities considered harmful to the community.

The board also urged members of the public to continue providing information about suspected violations, saying such cooperation would assist its efforts to maintain public order and morality across the state.

Kano Hisbah arrests 22 suspected crossdressers over alleged hook-up, drug abuse