SUNTV Global Channel Report
Authorities of the Kano State Hisbah Board have arrested two teenagers in Kano State over an alleged plan to organise a “gay birthday party” shortly after the upcoming Eid al-Fitr prayers.
The Board’s Deputy Commandant General, Mujahideen Aminudeen, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the official, the suspects — Umar Yahaya, 19, and Musa Al-Hassan, 18 — were apprehended after Hisbah authorities discovered plans circulating on social media inviting people to attend the gathering.
Aminudeen said the two teenagers allegedly identified themselves as Yan Daudu, a local term often associated with cross-dressing men, and had reportedly invited individuals from different parts of the country to attend the celebration.
“It is unfortunate and disturbing that young people of such age — Umar Yahaya, 19, and Musa Al-Hassan, 18 — claimed to be Yan Daudu and invited others who share the same identity,” he said.
According to the Hisbah official, the planned event was intended to take place shortly after the Eid prayer and was described by authorities as a birthday celebration that would involve dancing and activities the Board considers immoral.
“They planned that after the Eid prayers, people would gather to celebrate a birthday with dancing and indecent behaviour,” Aminudeen stated.
“They invited people from various places to participate in acts associated with Yan Daudu that involve immoral and shameless conduct.”
The Hisbah Board also alleged that the invitation messages circulated online referenced the Board and its leadership in a manner officials described as disrespectful.
Aminudeen further claimed that the planned gathering was viewed as an attempt to undermine the spiritual significance of the holy month of Ramadan.
However, the Board said the teenagers have since apologised and expressed remorse for their actions.
Following a review of the case, Hisbah authorities concluded that the boys lacked proper religious understanding and guidance.
“When we looked into the matter, we realised they did not properly understand the religion. They lacked knowledge about Islam, good conduct and life responsibilities,” Aminudeen explained.
Instead of immediate prosecution, the Board said the teenagers will remain under supervision for counselling and religious guidance.
“We will guide and support them so they can learn about prayer, good character and responsibility,” he added.
“If they are simply taken to court or imprisoned, it may not help them.”
Meanwhile, the Hisbah Board announced plans to increase monitoring around mosques and locations where late-night prayers are conducted during the final days of Ramadan.
According to Aminudeen, the move follows complaints that some individuals claiming to attend Tahajjud prayers sometimes use the gatherings as opportunities for private meetings.
“When Ramadan reaches its final days, it should be a time for increased worship and good deeds,” he said.
“But we have received complaints that some people going out for Tahajjud are not actually going there for worship.”
He noted that Hisbah personnel will intensify surveillance to ensure such gatherings remain strictly religious.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments surrounding the case.
