The alleged brutalization of a young woman named Asma’u and two others by personnel of the Katsina State Hisbah Board has ignited a firestorm of controversy on social media and beyond. The incident, which unfolded at the Scorpion Arena in Katsina on April 15, 2025, during a color-themed funfair, stems from accusations of indecent dressing and violation of state moral codes. Asma’u’s mother, Hajiya Hauwa’u Majida Muhammad, recounted the harrowing experience, describing how her daughter, who was selling snacks at the event, was caught in the crossfire when Hisbah officers attempted to disrupt the festivities. The situation escalated from a disruption into a scene of chaos with stones being thrown between attendees and Hisbah personnel. In the ensuing confusion, Asma’u’s brothers went missing, prompting her to seek their whereabouts at the Hisbah office. It was there that she and her two relatives were subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault.
The details of the alleged assault are deeply disturbing. According to Asma’u’s mother, one Hisbah officer hurled insults at her daughter, calling her derogatory names. When Asma’u objected to her mother being included in the verbal abuse, the officer allegedly responded by slapping her. This sparked a physical confrontation, leading to Asma’u being dragged into a room and flogged with whips, known as koboko. To exacerbate the situation, she was then handed over to two female inmates who continued the beating and threatened to cut off her hair. The family friend, a law enforcement officer who had accompanied the girls to assist in locating the missing brothers, was also reportedly harassed by the Hisbah officers. The family has incurred significant medical expenses exceeding N100,000 due to the injuries sustained during the assault.
The incident has sparked outrage and demands for justice, with Asma’u’s family calling on Governor Dikko Radda to investigate the actions of the Hisbah board. Adding fuel to the fire, the Hisbah officers allegedly claimed that they were acting on Governor Radda’s orders, a serious allegation that has further intensified the public outcry. The family is also questioning the Hisbah’s justification for the assault, as the officers’ accounts seem to shift between allegations of indecent dressing, contraband possession, and slapping an officer. Asma’u herself has confirmed her mother’s account and pleaded for justice, highlighting that she is not the only victim of such brutality.
The Hisbah Board’s response to the accusations has further complicated the narrative. Muhammad Sha’ibu, the head of operations, admitted that Asma’u was detained for allegedly slapping an officer but denied any knowledge of brutality. He claimed that their team went to Scorpion Arena to confiscate DJ equipment due to a ban on direct sound in Katsina State Hisbah law. Sha’ibu contended that their officers were met with stone-throwing from hoodlums present at the arena. According to his account, Asma’u’s detention was a result of her slapping officer Nafiu during the commotion. He attributes any injuries she may have sustained to the struggle during her apprehension and denies any knowledge of the beating and threats reported by Asma’u and her family. He also refutes the claim that inmates were instructed to assault or threaten her. Hisbah Commandant, Dr. Muhammad Aminu Usman, deferred to Sha’ibu for further details on the incident.
The incident has prompted strong condemnation from various groups. The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Katsina State, in a statement issued by its chairperson, Hajiya Hannatu Mohammed, has vehemently denounced the alleged assault and demanded justice for Asma’u and the other victims. NAWOJ’s statement emphasized the unacceptability of violence against women and called for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable. They expressed solidarity with the victims and urged the government to take decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future. The statement underscores the need for support and protection for victims of such violence and advocates for strengthening efforts to combat gender-based violence in society.
Adding to the chorus of condemnation, the Katsina State Commissioner of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hadiza Abubakar Yar’adua, issued a statement expressing deep concern over the incident. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to protecting and promoting the rights and dignity of women and girls in Katsina State. Yar’adua condemned all forms of violence against women, particularly acts perpetrated under the guise of morality or authority, and categorized the incident as gender-based violence requiring serious attention. The ministry has launched an active investigation into the matter and is committed to gathering a comprehensive report to address the situation effectively. The public awaits the results of these investigations and anticipates decisive action to ensure justice for Asma’u and to address the broader issue of alleged brutality by the Hisbah Board.
