Lawyers Alert Collaborates With Hisbah To Promote Rights-Based Policing In Kano
The Kano State Islamic Police Force known as Hisbah has expressed its commitment to work with the Human Rights Non-governmental Organization, Lawyers Alert towards ensuring rights-based policing in the state.
This was the main thrust of the advocacy visit by Lawyers Alert team to the Hisbah headquarters in Kano.
The Director of Legal Services at Lawyers Alert, Barrister Bamidele A. Jacobs said the organization was committed to advancing community welfare through respectful and effective policing.
Jacobs emphasized that the partnership would bolster peace and order in Kano while safeguarding the fundamental rights of residents.
He said “We believe that through awareness, dialogue, and international support, Hisbah can enhance its community services and reshape its image to reflect both Islamic values and global human rights standards.”
Jacobs said the visit by Lawyers Alert is timely, saying that the partnership would have a positive impact on community relations.
The Deputy Commander of Operations at the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Mujahideen Aminudeen expressed the readiness of the Board to address misconceptions about its activities.
He said Hisbah would work with Lawyers Alert on capacity building for its officers to ensure that they respect rights of people while carrying out their duties. Both organizations are optimistic that the collaboration will lead to a more harmonious relationship with the community, positioning Hisbah as a proponent of peace, justice, and respect for human dignity.
Speaking further, Jacobs said “The partnership aims to promote rights-based policing and improve Hisbah’s service delivery to the Kano community.
“The visit highlighted the need for cooperative efforts to address longstanding concerns about human rights violations linked to Hisbah operations.
“Lawyers Alert proposed comprehensive training and resources to equip Hisbah officers with best practices in community engagement and human rights standards.
“During the meeting, Lawyers Alert shared its expertise in fostering community trust, outlining successful strategies from its Community Policing Project. This project has previously strengthened accountability and trust between security agencies and communities in Nigeria and Cameroon.
“Lawyers Alert also hopes to upscale the intervention to other northern states operating the Hisbah Policing, for rights-based policing”, Jacobs said.
