The Hisbah security unit in Kano State has clarified that their measures to regulate the creation of social media skits, especially on TikTok, aim to shape public behavior rather than infringe upon human rights.
They emphasized that actors from Kannywood and other skit creators in the state have committed to maintaining modesty in their content creation process.
This comes amidst public outcry over offensive remarks and content from various skit creators, including Ado Gwanja, Ummi Shakira, Samha Inuwa, Murja, Mr. 442, Safara’u, Dan Maraya, Amude Booth, Kawu Dan Sarki, and Babiana, since late September 2022. These creators have faced complaints from Islamic clergy as well.
At the center of this narrative is Murja Kunya, a controversial TikTok personality known for her departure from traditional norms in northern Nigeria. Her outspokenness, use of strong language, and thought-provoking social media posts have sparked debates within the community.
Recently, the state’s security team urged the reprimand of Kunya and others, citing the state’s commitment to Islamic customs.
Notably, a viral video surfaced showing Kunya paying respects to the commandant general of the commission, pledging to uphold Islamic guidelines in her content.
The federal government has made various attempts to regulate the internet and social media platforms. The National Assembly initiated a campaign in 2015 against social media abuse and attempted legislative measures to control it.
Moreover, the Federal Government’s ban on Twitter on June 4, 2021, followed the removal of a message deemed inappropriate by former President Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
Additionally, on June 13, 2022, the National Information Technology Development Agency proposed an 11-page Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries.
“This is about behavior modification and how can we correct the bad aspects of the youth’s behavior,” Idris Gama said in an interview with the Board’s focal point on Sunday. There is no violation of their human rights by us.
“There is no compulsion because when we talk about behavior modification, it is to admonish if one admits to modifying his bad behaviour that is not a problem.
“They admitted that some of the things they do are not in line with the law and those who attended the engagement pledge to conduct themselves henceforth.
Mr Gama pointed out the mutual understanding between the board and skit makers in the state.
He maintained, “There is a good mutual relationship that they stand to benefit from the commission and the government once their behavior is modified.
Elucidating further, he said, “The Hisbah Commission had an engagement with Tik Tokers, and I think a few days back they had the same engagement with Kannywood. If you look closely, Murja made some praiseworthy statements on the commission. There are indications that they were remorseful and they are willing to change their style of social life.
“Murja has also admitted that all their wrongdoings were due to ignorance of the fact that it was wrong and they pledge to make amends,” he said.
He maintained, “They have indicated that social media is just a part of their social life, not a challenge, so we do have not any provision for empowerment or schooling them.”
Murja Kunya, a.k.a. Murja Ibrahim Kunya, is a 24-year-old TikTok content creator who rose to prominence and popularity with her controversial and outspoken videos.
She was born in Kano State and became well-known on TikTok for her hilarious and amusing Hausa-language material.
Her path, however, changed when she was recently taken into custody by the Kano police on charges of acting indecently, using foul language, and committing acts against Islamic law.
