Katsina Hisbah Directs Officers to Obtain Court Warrants Before Hotel, Home Searches

Katsinatimes 

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has directed all its officers and local government commanders to obtain a valid court order or arrest warrant before entering hotels or residential premises in the course of official duties.

The directive, contained in an internal circular dated, August 4, 2026, takes immediate effect and applies to all Local Government Commanders and Headquarters personnel of the Board.

Signed on behalf of the Board by the Commandant General, the circular stated that the decision was reached during the Board's last regular meeting held on June 6, 2026, as part of efforts to ensure compliance with the law and safeguard the constitutional rights of citizens.

According to the circular, no officer or commander is permitted to authorise or carry out entry into any hotel or residential building without first obtaining the appropriate legal authorisation, except where existing laws expressly provide otherwise.

The Board said the measure was introduced to ensure that Hisbah operations are conducted in accordance with due process, the Constitution and other relevant laws governing law enforcement activities.

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"All officers and personnel must seek and obtain a valid court order or arrest warrant before entering any hotel or residential premises in the course of official duties, except where the law expressly permits otherwise," the circular stated.

The Board further directed all Local Government Commanders to communicate the new policy to officers under their command and ensure strict compliance.

It warned that any officer found violating the directive would face disciplinary action in addition to any legal consequences that may arise from such conduct.

The circular concluded by calling on all personnel to cooperate fully and strictly adhere to the directive as part of efforts to promote professionalism and lawful enforcement of the Board's responsibilities.

The development is expected to strengthen due process in the operations of the Katsina State Hisbah Board while reinforcing the protection of citizens' constitutional rights during law enforcement activities.