Advocacy for Alleged Witches Denounces Hisbah Arrest

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches condemned the arrest of Khadija Abdullah by the Zamfara State Hisbah Commission over alleged witchcraft practices. In a statement by its director, Leo Igwe, the group described the arrest as unlawful, asserting that witchcraft is not recognized as a criminal offense under Nigerian law.

Abdullah was arrested in Gusau following complaints from community leaders about her engaging in forbidden spiritual practices. Hisbah officials reportedly found a woman receiving treatment for a spiritual ailment in Abdullah's apartment.

During interrogation, Abdullah admitted to providing spiritual treatment, believing she was possessed by spirits. Igwe questioned the legal basis for Abdullah's arrest, emphasizing that Nigerian law does not recognize witchcraft as an offense.

Sheikh Umar Hassan Gusau, Chairman of Hisbah, called for further investigation into the allegations. The incident has sparked reactions on social media, with legal experts and advocates criticizing Hisbah's authority to investigate or arrest alleged witches.