Hisbah Bans Hotel and Home Raids Without Court Warrants

(Hisbah Board. Photo Credit: Daily Post)

Katsina State’s Hisbah Board has issued a directive requiring its personnel to secure valid court orders or arrest warrants before entering hotels or private residences during enforcement operations.

The instruction, contained in an internal circular addressed to all local government commanders and headquarters staff, was adopted following a resolution at one of the board’s regular sessions and implemented immediately.

The directive stipulates that officers must obtain proper court authorisation or a warrant prior to conducting searches or accessing hotels and private properties, unless the Commandant General or existing legislation expressly permits otherwise.

The measure was introduced to ensure alignment with applicable law enforcement regulations and constitutional provisions.

The board cautioned commanders and personnel against conducting or authorising searches of hotels or residential premises without the requisite legal clearance, save in circumstances where law explicitly permits such action.

All local government commanders were instructed to communicate the directive to their officers and ensure strict adherence.

The circular underscored the importance of respecting citizens’ constitutional rights and discharging duties in accordance with due process and the rule of law.

Officers found to breach the directive face disciplinary action in addition to any legal consequences flowing from such violations.