Katsina Hisbah bans girls from hawking after 10pm, citing concerns about sexual abuse, exploitation and other risks to their safety

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has banned girls from engaging in night hawking after 10pm, saying the restriction is intended to protect them from sexual abuse, exploitation and other dangers.

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The Commandant General of the board, Sheikh Saifullahi Yakubu Musa, announced the directive on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a press briefing at the board’s headquarters in Katsina.

According to Musa, the restriction applies across the state, including markets, motor parks and other public places where street trading takes place.

He said Hisbah officers would be deployed to strategic locations to monitor compliance.

The commandant said the board had received reports of girls involved in night trading being exposed to sexual violence and activities it considers contrary to Islamic teachings.

“Reports indicate that some of these girls engage in illicit activities, while others are raped and some commit adultery.

These practices are against the teachings of Islam, and we will not allow them to continue,” he said.

Musa also warned parents against allowing their children, particularly girls, to hawk late at night.

He urged families to take greater responsibility for their children’s safety and welfare.

The directive comes amid longstanding concerns about the risks associated with child hawking in Nigeria.

Children who sell goods on the streets may face harassment, exploitation, robbery and disruption to their education, particularly when trading extends into late-night hours.

The Hisbah chief also announced plans to regulate traditional medicine dealers across Katsina State.

He expressed concern about some practitioners using vulgar or offensive language to advertise their products, warning that the board would no longer tolerate the practice.

He further raised concerns about reports that brothels had reopened in parts of the state, directing operators to close their establishments or face legal action.

Musa reiterated that the prohibition on the sale of alcoholic drinks, particularly beer, remained in force.

He warned traders against selling alcohol in public places.

The Katsina State Hisbah Board was established in 2023 under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda as part of the state government’s efforts to address religious, social and moral concerns.

Its responsibilities include promoting Islamic values and intervening in certain social and family-related matters.

Musa maintained that the board would carry out its duties within the provisions of its enabling law and called on residents, particularly Muslims, to support its activities.

The latest directive places renewed attention on the intersection of child protection, poverty and street trading.

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While restricting late-night hawking may reduce some risks, concerns remain about the economic pressures that push children into street trading and the need for measures that protect their education and livelihoods.