Kano Hisbah Official to Face Court Over Alleged LGBTQ Support
By Bashir Bello, KANO
The Kano State Hisbah Board, under the leadership of Commander General Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, announced that it will prosecute Idris Ahmed Gama, a Hisbah personnel, in relation to a viral video where he appeared to support LGBTQ rights.
The controversy arose after Gama attended an event organized by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that promotes LGBTQ activities and was recorded expressing support for the LGBTQ community. This incident has led to significant backlash, given that it directly contradicts the policies of the Hisbah Board and the principles of Sharia law upheld in Kano State.
Speaking to the press, Sheikh Daurawa explained that Gama, who is assigned to the Hisbah clinic, will be transferred to the disciplinary section for interrogation before facing legal action. Daurawa emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, “He introduced himself as a Hisbah official at the event, which is our greatest concern. This action is a grave offense against the rules and regulations of Hisbah.”
In response to this incident, Sheikh Daurawa reiterated the board’s prohibition of any engagement with NGOs that promote LGBTQ activities. He warned all personnel across the 44 local government areas to avoid any involvement with such organizations, stressing that violators would face strict sanctions in accordance with Hisbah regulations.
Additionally, Sheikh Daurawa announced a ban on all activities of NGOs promoting LGBTQ rights within the state, reaffirming Hisbah’s commitment to upholding Sharia law. He noted that many NGOs disguise their true intentions under the pretext of empowerment and support to lure individuals into practices that contravene Islamic principles.
Daurawa highlighted the broader issue, stating, “These NGOs are targeting to influence the 12 Sharia-compliant states, including Kano, by exploiting poverty to attract women and youth.”
In an interview, Idris Ahmed Gama provided his account of the events, explaining that he was invited to a workshop on women’s empowerment through a WhatsApp message. He claimed that during the workshop, a paper on human rights was presented, and he inadvertently mentioned the LGBTQ acronym without understanding its full meaning. Gama asserted that he did not belong to any group advocating for LGBTQ rights and expressed regret over his involvement. He appealed for leniency and vowed to avoid any future association with LGBTQ advocacy.
This case underscores the Hisbah Board’s strict stance on upholding Sharia law and its ongoing efforts to monitor and regulate activities within Kano State that may conflict with these religious principles.
