Kano Hisbah Denies Allegations Of Forced Conversion, Secret Marriage Of Teenage Girl
The Kano Hisbah Board has denied allegations made by Sahara Reporters and the family of a teenage girl, Jinkai Yusif Simon, who claimed that the agency was involved in her alleged abduction, forced conversion to Islam, and secret marriage.
The girl, said to be from Kuregu town in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was at the center of a report published by Sahara Reporters on March 8, 2026.
According to the allegations, the Hisbah Board had allegedly taken custody of the teenager and compelled her to convert to Islam before arranging a marriage for her despite claims that she was only 17 years old.
However, the Hisbah Board dismissed the allegations, describing the report as false and misleading.
The Board stated that on May 25, 2026, the Kaduna State Police Command deployed officers to investigate the matter and establish the facts surrounding the claims.
According to Hisbah, the meeting involved police officers from Kaduna and Kano States, a DSS official, the girl’s parents and relatives, human rights representatives and their lawyer, the village head of Kuregu community, as well as officials of the Hisbah Board.
Speaking during the meeting, Jinkai reportedly stated that she embraced Islam out of personal conviction, saying she was inspired by the dressing style of Muslim women and the practice of praying five times daily.
She reportedly maintained that no one forced her to convert and denied being married to anyone. She also stated that she was 18 years old based on information given to her by her mother and expressed a desire to adopt the name “Aisha.”
The Hisbah Board accused Sahara Reporters of publishing an unverified report without contacting the agency for clarification and alleged that the media platform acted unfairly by presenting only one side of the story.
The Board further stated that it is considering possible actions against the media platform over what it described as repeated publication of misleading reports.
Auwalu Ado Sheshe, ANIPR
Director of Public Enlightenment
Kano Hisbah Board
26 May, 2026