THE IMPACT OF HISBAH COMMAND IN KATAGUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE

ABSTRACT In the name of Allah. The most Gracious. The most merciful. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Noble messenger Muhammad bn Abdullahi. His family and companions and those who followed their step till the day of judgement. After that the term Hisbah Arabic (حسب) is an Islamic doctrine referring to upholding "community morals", The Hisbah is an Islamic moral enforcement body established in several states of Northern Nigeria, including Bauchi State, where Katagum Local Government is located. Rooted in Islamic jurisprudence, the term Hisbah stems from the Arabic root word ḥisbah, which denotes accountability or moral regulation in public affairs. Its primary goal is to promote good and prevent wrongdoing (al-amr bil ma’ruf wa al-nahy an al-munkar) within Islamic communities. Despite the relevance of Hisbah in maintaining social norms and religious values, there are concerns regarding its legal backing, operational structure, and community perception. This study is significant in highlighting the dual nature of religious policing in a democratic and multicultural society. It will contribute to academic discussions on religious law enforcement, morality policing, and community-based governance. Katagum is a town, a local government area and a traditional emirate in Bauchi State of north eastern Nigeria. The town is located on the northern bank of the Jama'are River, which is a tributary of the Hadejia. Most of the inhabitants are peoples from the Fulani, Kanuri, Karai-karai and Hausa tribes. Katagum Local Government Area (LGA) is one of the twenty (20) LGAs in Bauchi State, situated in the northeastern region of Nigeria. It is a strategic administrative and commercial center in the state and is historically associated with the Katagum Emirate. Katagum LGA, with its administrative headquarters in Azare, lies approximately between: Latitude: 11° 40' to 12° 10' North and Longitude: 10° 10' to 10° 30' East. Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, the following recommendations are put forth: Legal and Institutional Clarification: The Bauchi State government should clearly define the Hisbah Command’s powers and jurisdiction through a robust legal framework. This would help resolve the ambiguity regarding its relationship with the NPF and ensure that its actions do not contravene the Nigerian Constitution. And Increased Training and Oversight: Members of the Hisbah Command should receive comprehensive training on the limits of their authority, human rights, and constitutional law. A more effective oversight mechanism is needed to investigate allegations of misconduct and ensure accountability.