The Kano State Film and Video Censorship Board has revoked the operational licences of eight gala entertainment centres across the state.
As part of a larger initiative to preserve Kano’s moral, religious, and cultural values, the affected centres have been prohibited permanently.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Abba El-Mustapha, made this development known on Wednesday in a statement.
He claimed that this was an action to stop unethical behaviour in the entertainment industry.
He underlined that the decision was made in order to strictly enforce adherence to social values and cleanse the entertainment sector.
He said, “This action reflects our commitment to ensuring that Kano’s entertainment industry operates within the boundaries of our laws and moral standards.
“The banned centres have repeatedly flouted the board’s guidelines, and their operations are no longer permissible.
“The eight proscribed entertainment centres include:
Lady J Entertainment – Sanya Olu
Hamdala Entertainment – Ungoggo
Wazobiya 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
El-Mustapha threatened to take legal action against anyone who tried to change their name or carry on with their business under a different name.
“Our monitoring teams are vigilant. Any individual or group caught attempting to bypass this ban will be arrested and prosecuted,” he declared.
The targeted centres reportedly hosted late-night events, displayed pornographic material, and operated without the required regulatory approvals, among other actions considered to be against public morality.
This crackdown follows closely on the heels of the board’s suspension of several Hausa drama series on YouTube and local TV stations over allegations of indecent content and lack of proper censorship clearance.
El-Mustapha explained that the measures were intended to reduce content and behaviours that go against societal values rather than to stifle creativity.
“We encourage filmmakers and entertainers to collaborate with us in creating works that reflect Kano’s cultural and religious identity,” he said.
The board reaffirmed its dedication to promoting a responsible and law-abiding creative sector, offering dialogue, training, and assistance to those who are prepared to follow its rules.
“Our ultimate goal is to strike a balance between creativity and respect for our norms and traditions,” the Executive Secretary concluded.
