Kano Hisbah Arrests TikToker Ukasha Yahaya for Indecent Videos

• The Kano State Hisbah Board arrested popular TikTok content creator Ukasha Yahaya, known as UK International, on Thursday.
• The arrest was prompted by videos showing Yahaya hugging and bathing with women, which the Hisbah deemed to contravene moral and religious standards.
• Yahaya, 27, who is currently in custody, admitted to producing numerous such videos, some garnering millions of views, and has apologized for his actions.
• Deputy Commander General Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen confirmed that Yahaya will be charged in court following the conclusion of investigations.
• The Hisbah Board issued a warning to other youths against using social media for content that violates religious and moral principles.

This incident serves as a significant reminder of the strict enforcement of public morality and religious laws under Kano Sharia law social media regulations.

The Kano State Hisbah Board has taken into custody a well-known TikTok content creator, Ukasha Yahaya, who operates under the alias UK International. The arrest, confirmed on Thursday by Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen, the Deputy Commander General of the board, stems from videos posted by Yahaya depicting him in close physical contact, including hugging and bathing, with women. Authorities acted after receiving intelligence that the 27-year-old, a native of Gusau in Zamfara State and a resident of Abuja, had entered Kano. He remains in custody as investigations proceed.

During interrogation, Yahaya admitted to producing numerous videos alongside women, though he could not recall the exact quantity. These clips reportedly featured various interactions, such as dancing, embracing, or carrying women, with other segments showing swimming and bathing scenes. Some of his content had garnered significant viewership, attracting between one and three million views. He explained that women approached him to participate in his videos due to his status as a content creator. His TikTok account, "UK INTERNATIONAL," boasts over 262,000 followers, tracks 26 other accounts, and has accumulated 2.4 million likes.

Yahaya also revealed personal reflections on his content, stating that his sisters are all married when questioned about their potential involvement in his videos. He further disclosed that his mother and several other individuals had repeatedly cautioned him about the nature of his online material. In light of these warnings and his preparations for marriage, he indicated that he is now considering discontinuing such content. The TikToker offered an apology for his actions and pledged to refrain from similar activities in the future.

Dr. Aminuddeen confirmed that Ukasha Yahaya will face charges in court once the ongoing investigations are finalized. This UK International TikTok arrest highlights the active role of the Hisbah Board in Hisbah public morality enforcement within Kano State. The Deputy Commander General also issued a stern warning to young people, cautioning them against utilizing platforms like TikTok for activities that contravene established moral and religious principles, underscoring the Nigeria content creator legal risk in regions adhering to Sharia law.

This incident serves as a significant reminder of the strict enforcement of public morality and religious laws under Kano Sharia law social media regulations. The Hisbah Board’s intervention in the case of Ukasha Yahaya demonstrates its jurisdiction over online content deemed to violate local standards. For social media influencers and content creators operating or targeting audiences in Northern Nigeria, this event underscores the imperative to understand and adhere to regional religious and moral codes, as non-compliance can lead to severe legal consequences.

The Hisbah's proactive stance in monitoring and acting upon online content reinforces the unique legal landscape in certain Nigerian states. This case is not merely about an individual arrest but represents a broader message to the digital community about the boundaries of expression within a religiously conservative environment. It emphasizes that digital reach does not exempt creators from local legal frameworks, particularly concerning public decency and religious tenets.

This incident highlights the active enforcement of public morality and religious laws by the Kano State Hisbah Board, particularly concerning online content. Lawyers advising social media influencers, content creators, or businesses operating in Northern Nigeria should be aware of the Hisbah's jurisdiction and potential legal risks for content that may contravene local religious or moral standards.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust