Katsina Woman Sues Hisbah, 4 Others Over 33 Strokes, Seeks N5m

By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times | October 7, 2026 

A woman, Hauwa Umar Saulawa, has dragged the Katsina State Hisbah Board and four individuals before the Katsina State High Court, alleging unlawful arrest, detention and 33 strokes of the cane over an alleged zina-related offence.

The suit, marked KTH/3077/2026, was filed at the Katsina Judicial Division by her lawyer, Mujaheed Alameen of Imtiyaz Law Chambers.

The defendants include the Katsina State Hisbah Board; Malam Muhammad Shitu Maslaha, a former DCG Operations of the board; Malam Nafiu M. Akilu, OC Team Operation; Huraira Ahmad, of the Hisbah Women Wing Operation Team; and Kabiru Mashi, popularly known as “KB Engineer”.

In the court document, Saulawa alleged that she was arrested on August 21, 2026, and detained until about 3:00pm the following day.

She further alleged that she was subjected to 33 strokes of the cane, which she described as a violation of her right to dignity and freedom from degrading treatment under Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended.

The claimant is asking the court to declare her arrest, detention, alleged maltreatment and punishment over the alleged zina-related incident unlawful and a violation of her fundamental rights.

She also relied on provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, arguing that the alleged actions violated rights protected under the regional human rights instrument.

Among her prayers, Saulawa is seeking an injunction restraining the defendants, their officers or agents from allegedly arresting, detaining, assaulting, threatening or otherwise harassing her in connection with the matter.

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She is also demanding N5 million in damages for the alleged violation of her fundamental rights, as well as a written apology.

The claimant further requested the court to award the cost of the legal proceedings and grant any other relief it considers appropriate.

The application before the court is dated October 7, 2026.

Katsina Times reports that the allegations contained in the court filing remain claims by the claimant and have not been established by the court. The Hisbah Board and the other defendants had not, as of the time of filing this report, publicly responded to the allegations.