Damaturu, January 1, 2026 – The Yobe State Hisbah Commission, the state's Islamic law enforcement body, has announced a new directive prohibiting physical interactions and private conversations between men and women in commercial tricycles (known as Keke Napep), motorcycles (okada), and at public gatherings, citing violations of Sharia teachings.
The announcement, made in a public statement on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, originates from the office of the State Commander, Dr. Muhammad Yawudi Kale, and carries the approval of the Commission's Chairman, Dr. Yahuza Hamza Abubakar.
"The Yobe State Hisbah Commission wishes to inform the public and issue a warning regarding activities that contradict the teachings of Sharia," the statement declared, emphasizing the need to curb behaviors deemed immoral under Islamic law.
Key prohibitions outlined in the directive include:
- Reckless driving or movement in vehicles, particularly during public events such as weddings or Eid al-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations.
- Physical contact between opposite genders on commercial vehicles, specifically Keke Napep tricycles and motorcycles, as well as at public gatherings.
- Private conversations between men and women "under the pretext of chatting," especially in manners not approved by Sharia.
The Commission urged parents and the community at large to actively support enforcement efforts, stating that compliance is essential "to preserve the moral upbringing of our children."
This latest move aligns with the Hisbah Commission's broader mandate to enforce Sharia principles and combat social vices in Yobe, one of Nigeria's 12 northern states that implement Islamic law alongside secular statutes. Established relatively recently compared to counterparts in states like Kano and Zamfara, Yobe's Hisbah has been active in operations against alcohol consumption, prostitution, and other activities considered un-Islamic.
In 2025 alone, the Commission conducted multiple raids, destroying confiscated alcoholic beverages, sealing brothels, and arraigning suspects involved in prostitution and intoxicant trading. These actions underscore its commitment to upholding what it describes as the moral and religious standards of the state.
Similar restrictions on opposite-gender interactions in public transport have precedents in other Sharia-implementing states. For instance, Kano State banned men and women from riding the same tricycles in 2019-2020, a policy aimed at preserving Islamic values amid concerns over indecency.
The new Yobe directive has drawn attention amid ongoing debates about the role of Hisbah bodies in Nigeria. Critics, including international observers, have raised concerns over human rights implications, with some calling for reforms or disbandment of such religious police units. Supporters, however, view them as vital for maintaining societal morality in predominantly Muslim regions.
As the directive takes effect, residents and transport operators in Yobe are expected to adjust practices accordingly. Commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders, who form a significant part of the informal economy providing affordable transportation in urban and rural areas, may face particular challenges in compliance.
The Hisbah Commission has not specified penalties for violations but has historically relied on warnings, arrests, and court referrals for enforcement. Community cooperation remains a cornerstone of its approach, as reiterated in the statement.
This development comes as Nigeria enters 2026, with varying interpretations of Sharia continuing to shape public life in the north. While the directive aims to reinforce traditional values, its implementation will likely be watched closely for impacts on daily life, gender dynamics, and interfaith relations in the multicultural nation.
