The Kano State Hisbah Board has outlawed the mobile movie downloading and distribution business, popularly known as “downloading,” across all 44 local government areas of the state. The board said the decision followed complaints that some operators were circulating pornographic and uncensored films that undermine Islamic values and expose children to harmful content.
The Kano State Government has introduced another major restriction under its public morality campaign after the Hisbah Board announced a statewide ban on the commercial downloading and distribution of movies through mobile phones.
The directive, which takes immediate effect across Kano’s 44 local government areas, targets operators commonly known as “downloaders”—individuals who transfer films, music and other digital content to customers’ phones for a fee.
Speaking on behalf of the board, Deputy Commander-General Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen said the decision was prompted by growing complaints from parents and community leaders.
According to him, investigations revealed that some operators were distributing pornographic films, uncensored videos and other materials considered offensive to Islamic teachings and the cultural values of Kano State. He argued that the practice had contributed to increasing moral decline among young people.
The board disclosed that Hisbah personnel have already been deployed across the state to ensure compliance with the directive.
Officials said routine patrols and monitoring operations would be carried out at phone charging centres, markets and other locations where the business is commonly operated.
The board warned that anyone caught violating the order would face prosecution under the relevant laws of Kano State.
Recognising that many residents rely on the business as a source of income, the Hisbah Board urged affected operators to seek other lawful means of earning a living.
The board maintained that the objective of the policy is not simply enforcement but also the protection of children and the preservation of societal values through stricter regulation of digital content.
The latest directive adds to a series of measures introduced by the Kano State Hisbah Board in recent years to regulate activities it considers inconsistent with Islamic principles.
Previous actions have included restrictions on DJs at public events, bans on certain advertising practices and enforcement campaigns targeting public conduct considered contrary to the state’s interpretation of Sharia-based regulations.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions online.
While supporters argue that the measure will help protect children from harmful digital content and strengthen moral standards, critics have questioned how the ban will be enforced in an era of widespread internet access and streaming platforms.
Others have expressed concern about its impact on young entrepreneurs who depend on the mobile downloading business for daily income.
With enforcement already underway, attention will now shift to how effectively the Hisbah Board implements the directive across Kano’s 44 local government areas. The development marks another significant chapter in the state’s ongoing efforts to regulate entertainment and digital content in line with its religious and cultural policies.