Hisbah Arrests Man Over Alleged Plan to Traffic Two Girls to Arab Countries

KANO, Nigeria — The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested a 25-year-old man, Bala Haruna, over allegations that he attempted to traffic two girls to Arab countries under the guise of securing domestic jobs for them.
The board disclosed that the suspect was apprehended on Thursday at a motor park in Kano during an operation aimed at curbing human trafficking and other related crimes.
Speaking on Friday, the Deputy Commander General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen, said the suspect is a resident of Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
According to him, Bala Haruna was arrested alongside two female passengers identified as Fatima Safiyanu, 23, from Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State, and Hasiya Haruna, 11, from Kazaure in Jigawa State.
Investigation Underway
Aminuddeen said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine how the travel arrangements were made and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged trafficking attempt.
He noted that the case has been transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The matter has been handed over to NAPTIP, which has the statutory responsibility to investigate human trafficking cases and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” he said.
Public Urged to Verify Overseas Job Offers
The Hisbah Board also used the opportunity to caution parents, guardians and young women against accepting offers of domestic work abroad without proper verification.
Aminuddeen warned that traffickers often disguise illegal recruitment as legitimate employment opportunities, exposing victims to exploitation and abuse.
He urged members of the public to confirm the authenticity of any overseas job offer through the appropriate government agencies before making travel arrangements.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable persons across Kano State.