The Kano State Hisbah Board has banned the downloading and distribution of movies through mobile phones across the state’s 44 local government areas, saying the measure is aimed at protecting public morality and upholding Islamic values.

The directive was announced on Thursday in a WhatsApp message by the board’s Deputy Commander General, Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen.

According to Aminuddeen, the decision followed complaints that some operators were distributing pornographic films and other video content considered contrary to Islamic teachings and the cultural values of Kano State.

He said Hisbah personnel had been deployed to enforce the ban through routine patrols and monitoring across the state.

“Anyone found violating the directive will face legal action in accordance with the laws of Kano State,” Aminuddeen warned.

He urged those affected by the ban to explore other legitimate means of earning a living, adding that the measure was intended to protect young people from harmful content and curb what he described as rising moral decadence linked to indecent films and videos.

The Kano State Hisbah Board, which enforces Sharia-related regulations, has introduced several measures in recent years aimed at promoting Islamic values and restricting activities and content considered inconsistent with the state’s religious and cultural norms.