The Katsina State Hisbah Board has ordered the immediate closure of a hotel in Katsina metropolis due to allegations of corrupting the morals of underage girls.
Dr. Aminu Usman, the Hisbah Commander General in the state, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina.
He stated that the hotel was found to be in violation of an agreement made with hoteliers across the state.
“The hotel breached the Board’s regulations by allowing underage girls to stay on the premises.
“The Board discovered that two underage girls were lodged in the same room during a recent inspection, which is against Hisbah laws.
“This is the second instance of such an offence at the New Palace Hotel, despite previous warnings and a promise from the hotel’s management to prevent such incidents.”
Dr. Usman added that during a meeting with hotel managers statewide, it was agreed that no hotel would accommodate underage children.
“Due to the hotel’s failure to comply with the Board’s regulations and meet the stipulated conditions, we have decided to close it immediately.
“We remain dedicated to enforcing reforms and instilling discipline that aligns with the religious and cultural values of the state under the rule of law to ensure lasting peace,” he said.