In the aftermath of a tragic incident at a recent wedding ceremony in Katsina State, freelance journalist Jamil Mabai found himself detained by the Hisbah religious police, sparking concerns over press freedom in the region.
The incident in question occurred when shots were fired by officers of the Community Watch Corps during an attempt to disperse wedding guests, leading to the death of a vulcaniser and injuries to others.
The Hisbah had reportedly banned DJs from performing at events as part of their efforts to enforce Sharia law in the state.
Mabai, upon learning of the incident, sought an interview with Mallam Nafi’u M. Aƙilu, the public relations officer of the Hisbah board, to discuss the matter.
Mabai in an interview with FIJ, an investigative online media, said, upon arriving at the Hisbah office for the scheduled interview, he was instead threatened and detained in a cell for a brief period.
According to him, Hisbah officers accused him of “fighting against the work of God.”
He described how the Hisbah officers invoked religious authority to justify their actions and accused him of jealousy and criticism.
Mabai’s detention has raised concerns about the treatment of journalists and press freedom in northern Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and the need for journalists to report on issues without fear of reprisal.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by journalists in the region, where reporting on sensitive topics related to religion and governance can lead to intimidation and harassment.
