The Katsina Hisbah Corps, has reportedly arrested one Jamil Mabai, a journalist working with Trust TV, the television broadcasting arm of Media Trust Group.
The Hisbah Corps is a religious police force responsible for the enforcement of Shari’a to only Muslims in Katsina.
According to reports, the Sharia corps arrested the TV journalist over a social media post.
In the said post, Mabai allegedly criticised the human rights violations against youths in the state.
Journalism Is Not A Crime
Taking to his X handle @Edrees4P, a fellow journalist wrote: “Hisbah in Katsina arrested a journalist @jaymb000 over his post on Facebook criticizing their unjust detainment and human rights violations against youth in the state.
“Jamilu is a reporter for Trust Tv in Katsina. Remember, journalism is not a crime.”
Confirming his arrest via the microblogging platform on Wednesday morning, Mabai recounted how he was arrested and detained.
The Interview
The journalist revealed that it happened when he visited Hisbah’s office to interview the Public Relations Officer (PRO).
Instead of granting him the interview, he was arrested and detained.
According to him, the supposed interview was based on a particular DJ who was shot by Hisbah officials last week.
However, he was thrown into custody.
Journalist Recounts Experience
Mabai wrote on X: “How I was detained by Katsina Hisbah officials when I visited their office to conduct a follow-up interview with the PRO.
“Hisbah, has banned the activities of DJs at events in Katsina.
Last week Friday, Mallam Gambo, a resident of Katsina, died from a gunshot wound sustained while Hisbah officials were trying to shut down a wedding with a DJ.”
“The shots were fired by an operative of the Community Watch Corp tasked with defending communities against bandits.
The Setup
“Following this incident, I contacted the Katsina Hisbah Public Relations Officer (PRO) to request a follow-up interview regarding Mallam Gambo’s death.
Upon my arrival at the Hisbah office, I couldn’t find the PRO. Unknown to me, it was a setup.”
“Hisbah officers approached me, claiming they were instructed to detain me.
Despite explaining that I was a journalist there for an interview, they insisted and confiscated my phone before holding me in a cell.
A Fight With Religion
“Later, I was brought before the commandant’s office.
“He threatened me, he said, “I am fighting with religion, and there is nothing I or anybody can do against the activities of Hisbah”.
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After an hour, I was released. The entire ordeal raises serious concerns.
Press Freedom
I informed them that detaining a journalist on their premises without a reason or opportunity to provide a statement is a clear violation of press freedom.”
Our finding shows that Mabai is known for reporting insecurity in the northern region.
Also, he reports stories infringing on the human rights of citizens, who must get justice as stipulated in the Constitution.