Kano bans after-party and "hot challenge" activities at weddings

The Kano State Censorship Board has announced the immediate suspension of “after-party” and “hot challenge” activities at wedding ceremonies and other social events held at event centres across the state.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Abba El-Mustapha, announced the suspension in a statement issued by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sulaiman, on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

According to the statement, the measure is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations governing the activities of masters of ceremony and event centres across the state.

“The attention of the board has been drawn to the growing trend of this activity, which is considered a Western cultural practice increasingly introduced into wedding celebrations in the state,” the statement said.

“Consequently, the board has suspended the practice in order to safeguard the cultural, moral and religious values of the people of Kano State.

According to the statement, the decision also became necessary as part of the board’s mandate to sanitise entertainment activities and ensure that public events are conducted in accordance with the state’s cultural and religious values

The statement emphasised that the board welcomes positive and responsible forms of entertainment at weddings and other social gatherings, provided they promote morality, respect the culture of the people and conform to religious teachings. 

It noted that entertainment remains an important aspect of ceremonies when conducted within acceptable ethical standards.

The board further directed all event centres, MCs, event planners and other stakeholders involved in organising social events to comply fully with the directive, warning that any individual or organisation found violating the suspension may face appropriate legal sanctions in accordance with the laws enforced by the board.

The board also called on residents of the state to support its efforts by reporting any event centre or MC found engaging in or promoting the suspended activities.

It said such reports should be made promptly and must relate to incidents occurring within Kano State.