The Jama’atu Nasril Islam ,JNI, in Plateau State has denied reports that any Muslim organisation is planning to establish a Hisbah group in Jos North Local Government Area.
Following public outcry over allegations of intimidation, harassment, extortion, and the enforcement of unauthorized restrictions on residents, the JNI issued a formal denial in a statement on Tuesday.
The clarification followed social media reports suggesting that a Hisbah organisation had commenced operations in the area, prompting concern and a response from the Plateau State Government.
“I want to assure the people that no Islamic organisation in Plateau has come out to say it wants to establish Hisbah. There is nothing like that. It has never been discussed, and it is not part of what is being considered.” Umar said.
JNI Secretary in Plateau State, Dr Salim Musa Umar, said no Islamic organisation in the state had announced plans to establish Hisbah in Jos North.
“The matter started on social media when some people appeared in uniforms created with the help of artificial intelligence, claiming that they had established Hisbah in Jos North. The information gained traction, and people began sharing it widely.
“Hisbah cannot be established without a law from the State House of Assembly, and the government has not done that. Therefore, people cannot simply come out and claim that they have established Hisbah.” He added.
Umar explained that the controversy originated from images circulated on social media, which allegedly used artificial intelligence to create the impression that a Hisbah group had been formed.
He stressed that Hisbah could not legally operate in the state without enabling legislation from the Plateau State House of Assembly.
The JNI official urged the state government to properly investigate sensitive religious claims before taking action, warning that unverified reports could heighten tension among communities.
He also appealed to social media users to verify information before sharing it, particularly content capable of causing misunderstanding or threatening peaceful coexistence.
The clarification came after Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared the activities of any unauthorised Hisbah organisation illegal and directed security agencies to investigate reports concerning the group.
JNI maintained that no Muslim organisation in Plateau State has announced plans to establish Hisbah in Jos North.
