Yobe State has been thrown into fresh controversy as the Hisbah Commission imposed an overreaching ban on men and women sitting together at public events and in public transportation, tightening moral rules across the state.
In a notice dated January 6, 2026, and signed by coordinator Muhammad Yahudi, the religious police warned that any form of interaction deemed un-Islamic would no longer be tolerated, especially private conversations between males and females in public spaces.
“Isolated discussions between male and female conducted in a manner that contradicts the teachings of Islam” were declared strictly prohibited.
The directive also extends to festive periods, with Hisbah outlawing reckless driving and overspeeding by motorists and tricycle operators during Sallah and wedding celebrations.
In a strongly worded statement, the commission said, “The Yobe State Hisbah Commission, under the chairmanship of Dr Yahuza Hassan Abubakar, hereby informs the general public that the following activities are strictly prohibited throughout the state: Reckless driving and overspeeding with vehicles and tricycles during Sallah and wedding celebrations.
“Intermingling of males and females in public transportation and gatherings. Isolated discussions between males and females are conducted in a manner that contradicts the teachings of Islam.
“All residents and visitors are urged to observe these directives strictly in order to maintain peace, safety, and uphold the Islamic values of our society.”
Residents and visitors have been urged to comply, as the commission insists the measures are necessary to preserve public order, safety, and Islamic values in Yobe State.
