The Amnesty International has condemned the brutal assault of Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman by operatives of the Katsina State Hisbah on April 15, 2025.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the organization is calling on the Katsina state government to rein in the Hisbah and ensure they operate within the confines of the law.
“Hauwa’u was at the Hisbah office seeking information about her relatives who had allegedly been arrested when she was attacked by approximately 20 men. The assault left her with severe injuries, including a fracture. Two of her sisters, who attempted to intervene, were also beaten and subjected to degrading treatment.”
Amnesty International is demanding that the individuals involved in the assault be identified and held accountable for gross human rights violations. The organization emphasizes that violence against women and girls is unacceptable under any circumstances. Reports from Katsina indicate a troubling pattern of human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and torture, with little regard for the rights of victims.
The Hisbah in Katsina has been accused of conducting illegal raids under the guise of enforcing morality, often imposing violent punishments that lack legal justification. Amnesty International’s findings reveal that victims of these abuses rarely receive justice, as the Hisbah operates with impunity, claiming to combat immorality while violating fundamental rights.
“The lack of proper training in law enforcement among Hisbah operatives has led to a disregard for legal procedures and the rights of individuals.” Amnesty International warns that the failure of the Katsina state government to hold the Hisbah accountable fosters a culture of fear and impunity, disproportionately affecting the poor and marginalized in society. Incidents like the assault on Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman must be addressed to prevent further abuses of power.