Following a DUBAWA fact-check on claims that Sokoto State had banned wedding gifts and mixed-gender gatherings for Muslims and Christians, the Sokoto State Hisbah Board has called a press briefing to address the claims and clarify the scope of its mandate.
The viral claim, contained in a video shared on Aug. 13, 2026, alleged that Christians in Sokoto could no longer hold mixed-gender gatherings or worship together in churches.
The video also presented the alleged restrictions as part of a wider agenda to Islamise Nigeria, beginning from Sokoto.
In its investigation, DUBAWA found that the Sokoto State Hisbah Board announced restrictions on some marriage-related practices, including ‘Na Gani Ina So’, a marriage-introduction custom, excessive bridal gifts and mixed-gender entertainment gatherings.
However, the fact-check established that the restrictions do not apply to Christians.
Responding to the allegations, Hisbah Commander, Usman Abdullahi, said the laws enforced by the board are intended for Muslims.
“We make laws for Muslims and not any other religion,” he clarified.
The Chairperson of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Sokoto State, Kayode James, also said Christians in the state were not affected by the directive.
At a press briefing held after the publication of the fact-check, the Sokoto State Hisbah Board, through its Commandant, Dr Usman Abdullahi, described the allegations as false, misleading and unsupported.
Dr Usman said the allegations do not reflect the position, mandate or activities of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board.
He explained that the law establishing the Hisbah Board, as passed by the Sokoto State House of Assembly, applies only to Muslims and does not regulate the religious practices of Christians or adherents of other faiths.
“The blogger should continue his campaign for whichever party he is working for but should not link the Sokoto State Hisbah Board with his assertions on the political fortune or misfortune of the country,” the Commandant said.
He urged the public to disregard the allegations and continue promoting peace, unity and mutual respect among all religious groups in the state.