Mutfwang Bans Illegal HISBA: Plateau State Governor Halts Operations

• Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared HISBA activities in parts of Jos North Local Government Area illegal and unacceptable.
• The Governor directed security agencies to immediately halt these activities and arrest those involved, following reports of intimidation and unauthorized rule imposition.
• Mutfwang stressed that Plateau State operates under a single legal framework and will not permit any parallel authority or self-appointed enforcement body.
• Security agencies are tasked with identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals involved, including those who promote or aid such unlawful actions.
• The directive is not religion-specific but aims to protect all residents' rights and freedoms from interference by unofficial groups, reinforcing the state's commitment to lawful conduct.

The government will not permit the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or group seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework of the Nigerian state.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has issued a decisive directive, declaring the operations of a group identified as "HISBA" within parts of the Jos North Local Government Area as entirely unlawful, unauthorized, and unacceptable. The Governor's strong stance, communicated on Sunday through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Gyang Bere, mandates immediate action from security agencies to halt these activities and apprehend those involved.

This significant move by Governor Mutfwang follows numerous reports detailing alleged intimidation, harassment, extortion, and the imposition of unauthorized rules upon local residents. The administration views these actions as a direct challenge to established authority and the rule of law within the state. The Governor's order specifically targets these disruptive practices, aiming to restore order and ensure the safety of citizens.

Those engaged in these illicit activities have been sternly warned to cease their conduct without delay, or face arrest and prosecution in strict accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This clear message underscores the state's commitment to upholding its legal framework and rejecting any form of parallel governance.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized that Plateau State operates under a singular legal framework, comprising one Constitution, one legal system, and one legitimate authority. He unequivocally stated that no individual or group possesses the right to assume powers not explicitly conferred by law, thereby directly addressing the challenge posed by unofficial enforcement bodies like HISBA.

His administration will not tolerate the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body, or group attempting to impose rules, restrictions, or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework of the Nigerian state. The Governor reiterated that the responsibility for enforcing the law rests solely with duly constituted authorities acting within their legal mandates, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the state's position on Governor Mutfwang parallel authority.

This directive reinforces the principle that no entity can appoint itself as the government of Plateau State. The comprehensive Plateau State legal framework is the sole arbiter of conduct and rights, and any deviation from this system will be met with legal consequences. This stance is crucial for maintaining public order and ensuring that all citizens are subject to the same, officially sanctioned laws.

In response to the reported activities, Governor Mutfwang has instructed security agencies across the state to intensify their intelligence gathering and other lawful operations. Their mandate includes identifying and investigating individuals involved in these reported activities. Where sufficient evidence of legal violations is found, those responsible, along with any persons promoting, sponsoring, aiding, or abetting such unlawful actions, are to be arrested and prosecuted.

Crucially, the Governor clarified that this directive is not aimed at any particular religion, ethnic group, or community. He affirmed that Plateau State is a diverse home for people of various faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law. The core issue, he stressed, is solely one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority, ensuring that the Plateau State HISBA crackdown is understood as a matter of governance, not discrimination.

Every resident of Plateau State is guaranteed the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business, and carry out daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority. Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to members of the public who brought these activities to the attention of the authorities, reaffirming his administration's unwavering commitment to security and its pledge to seriously address all credible security concerns. The protection of lives, rights, dignity, and lawful freedoms of all residents remains a fundamental responsibility of the government.

The Governor's decisive action against the illegal HISBA activities in Jos North carries significant implications for legal professionals and their clients operating within Plateau State. This clear declaration by the state government underscores that only state-sanctioned laws and enforcement bodies are legitimate. Lawyers must advise clients that engaging with, or being subjected to, rules imposed by unofficial groups like HISBA carries substantial legal risks and is not recognized by the state.

This directive serves as a critical reminder of the importance of adhering strictly to the established Nigerian legal framework and avoiding any parallel systems. The state's firm stance against Nigeria unofficial enforcement bodies means that any perceived compliance with such groups offers no legal protection and may, in fact, lead to prosecution. The government's commitment to prosecuting not only those directly involved but also promoters, sponsors, aiders, or abettors, highlights the broad scope of potential legal exposure.

For businesses and individuals alike, understanding and respecting the singular legal authority of Plateau State is paramount. This crackdown reinforces the principle that all residents are entitled to protection under official law, and any attempts by non-state actors to impose their own regulations will be met with the full force of the state's legal and security apparatus. Legal counsel should emphasize that reliance on official channels for dispute resolution and adherence to statutory regulations is the only legitimate path.

Lawyers should advise clients in Plateau State that only state-sanctioned laws and enforcement bodies are legitimate, and engaging with or being subjected to rules from unofficial groups like HISBA carries legal risks and is not recognised by the state. This reinforces the importance of adhering strictly to the established Nigerian legal framework and avoiding any parallel systems.

Source: Original reporting via local news outlets