The Kano State Film and Video Censorship Board has revoked the licences of eight entertainment centres across the state, citing repeated violations of regulatory guidelines and activities deemed contrary to public morality.
Announcing the decision on Wednesday, the Board’s Executive Secretary, Abba El-Mustapha, stated that the closures are part of ongoing efforts to uphold the cultural, religious, and moral values of Kano State.
“This action reflects our commitment to ensuring that Kano’s entertainment industry operates within the boundaries of our laws and moral standards,” El-Mustapha said.
According to him, the affected centres had been previously warned but continued to engage in practices the board considers inappropriate, including hosting late-night events, displaying vulgar content, and operating without necessary approvals.
The entertainment centres affected by the indefinite ban include:
Hamdala Entertainment – Ungoggo
Lady J Entertainment – Sanya Olu
Dan Hausa Entertainment – Sanya Olu
Ni’ima Entertainment – Zungeru
Ariya Entertainment – Abedi Sabon Gari
Babbangida Entertainment – Balatus
Harsashi Entertainment – Ebedi Sabon Gari
Wazobiya Entertainment – Sanya Olu
El-Mustapha warned that any attempts by the banned operators to rebrand or resume activities under new identities would lead to arrest and prosecution. “Our monitoring teams are vigilant. Anyone caught trying to evade this ban will face legal action,” he stated.
This crackdown follows the recent suspension of several Hausa drama series on YouTube and local TV stations for alleged indecent content and failure to obtain censorship clearance.
Clarifying the board’s position, El-Mustapha emphasized that the intention is not to suppress creativity but to ensure content aligns with the state’s values. “We urge filmmakers and entertainers to collaborate with us in producing works that reflect Kano’s cultural and religious identity,” he added.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a responsible creative industry, offering guidance, training, and support for content creators who comply with established standards.
“Our goal is to strike a balance between artistic expression and respect for our societal norms,” El-Mustapha concluded.
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