Yobe Government Bars Public Interaction Between Men and Women, Extends Directive to All Schools

Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

DAMATURU, NIGERIA — The Yobe State Hisbah Commission has issued a broad moral directive banning physical interaction and private conversations between men and women in public spaces, and authorities say the guidance is expected to influence conduct in all schools and community settings across the state. This move, announced in a public notice dated December 31, 2025, reflects a concerted effort by the state’s religious policing body to enforce conservative social norms aligned with local interpretations of Sharia law. 

Under the directive, the Hisbah — an Islamic morality enforcement body operating in Yobe — warned residents against physical contact between men and women in public, including when travelling in commercial vehicles such as tricycles (keke napep), motorcycles, and other forms of public transport, as well as during social events and gatherings. Officials also cautioned against “private conversations under the pretext of chatting” between individuals of opposite genders, saying such interactions undermine community moral standards and could negatively influence youth behaviour. 

The statement was issued from the office of Dr. Muhammad Yawudi Kale, State Commander of the Yobe Hisbah Commission, and approved by Dr. Yahuza Hamza Abubakar, Chairman of the Commission. It urges parents, guardians, educators and community leaders to assist Hisbah officers in enforcing the new guidelines and to support efforts aimed at preserving what authorities describe as the moral fabric of the state’s communities. 

While the published notices do not explicitly mention schools, local sources and community discussions indicate that the directive is expected to extend to educational institutions, where norms governing student conduct may be aligned with the Hisbah’s guidance. Schools, particularly in predominantly Muslim northern states like Yobe, often take cues from state‑level moral governance frameworks and adjust codes of conduct accordingly. Parents and school administrators are reportedly evaluating the implications of the ban for student interactions on campuses and within educational settings. 

The Hisbah Commission’s directive arrives amid ongoing efforts by the Yobe State Government to address security and moral concerns across the region. Earlier this week, the state announced that boarding schools closed due to insecurity earlier in late 2025 would reopen on January 5, 2026, following consultations between education officials and security agencies. That reopening plan underscores the government’s broader focus on stabilising the social environment and improving safety for students and families. 

Reactions to the Hisbah directive have so far been mixed. Supporters argue that the move promotes respect, modesty and moral discipline in line with the cultural and religious values of many in Yobe State. However, critics raise concerns about the extension of such moral policing into daily life and its potential impact on freedom of association, gender equality and access to educational opportunities. Advocates for civil rights emphasise that any policy affecting student interactions should be framed within constitutional protections and educational policy standards.

Analysts note that while Yobe’s directive is not a formal government law, it represents a significant moral guideline from a recognised institution within the state, and compliance may become expected in community and school environments. Hisbah commissions in northern Nigeria have historically exercised influence over social conduct, particularly in states that adopt aspects of Sharia law, and this latest guidance illustrates the continuing role of such bodies in shaping public behaviour. 

As implementation begins, observers are watching closely to see how schools and families interpret the directive, and whether it will translate into formal codes of conduct in classrooms, transport arrangements, and community events. The evolving response from educators, civil society groups and legal experts may determine how deeply the ban takes root within daily life across Yobe State. 

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