The Katsina State Hisbah Board has denied allegations that its operatives assaulted a young woman, Hauwa’u Lawal, leading to a leg fracture and hearing impairment, as claimed in a viral video circulating on social media.
At a press briefing held Sunday in Katsina, the Deputy Commander General (Operations) of the Board, Malam Mohammad Shu’aibu, described the claims as misleading and lacking evidence.
Lawal, in the widely shared video, alleged that she was beaten by Hisbah officials when she visited her brother, who was being held in their custody.
She said the alleged assault left her with a fractured leg and injuries affecting her hearing.
However, Shu’aibu refuted the claims, confirming instead that her brother, the suspect in question was arrested during an operation at an event centre in Katsina city.
According to him, the suspect was apprehended for impersonating a military officer and attempting to obstruct Hisbah operatives while on duty.
“The suspect presented an expired identity card from 2023 labeled ‘Ex-boy’ and claimed to be a soldier. It was later discovered that he was not,” Shu’aibu stated.
He further claimed that Lawal was denied entry into the Hisbah facility due to her immoral dressing and she attempted to slap one of the officers during the altercation.
“She was stopped from going in because of the nature of her dressing, but she insisted and became aggressive,” he said.
In response to Lawal’s claim of a fractured leg, Shu’aibu said the board requested an x-ray or medical report from her family but had not received any documentation to substantiate the injury as of the time of the press conference.
He reiterated that Hisbah officers were trained to operate professionally and that the board remains committed to promoting morality within the society.
Also speaking on the matter, the Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Yar’Adua, said the ministry was conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
“Once the investigation is complete, we will forward our findings to the relevant authorities for appropriate action,” she said.
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