The Kano State Censorshi Board has banned all Islamic singers’ debates in the state unless they are first approved by the board.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha, announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.
This is contained in a statement signed by Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the board’s Information Officer.
‘In a move to ensure peace, harmony, and compliance among stakeholders in the entertainment and religious sectors, the Executive Secretary of Kano State Censorship Board, Alh. Abba El-Mustapha, has announced an immediate ban on all Islamic singers’ debates in the state without prior approval from the board’, the statement said.
The ban came after a debate between Usman Maidubun Isa and Shehi Mai Tajul’izzi, which the board described as a breach of its guidelines.
El-Mustapha also set up a fact-finding committee chaired by Malam Isha Abdullahi, the Director of Special Duties. He ordered the two singers and their moderators to appear before the committee within 24 hours.
According to the board, ‘organizing such debates without official consent from the Board violates the Kano State Censorship Law, and may attract serious legal actions’.
El-Mustapha reaffirmed the board’s duty to regulate Islamic singers and performers in line with the law. He also urged the public to stay calm and assist the board with useful information to promote ‘peace, understanding, and cultural development across the state’.
