Bauchi Hisbah Bans DJs, Bars Women from Male Gatherings in New Social Event Rules

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The Bauchi State Hisbah Command has unveiled sweeping new regulations on social events, outlawing Disk Jockeys (DJs) and restricting women from attending male gatherings across the state.

The directives, contained in a circular signed by the Permanent Commissioner of Hisbah, Barrister Aminu Balarabe Isah, and dated July 16, 2025, followed rising complaints of social vices and breaches of public peace during weddings, birthdays, and other ceremonies.

The guidelines, titled “Conduct of Marriage Ceremonies and Other Festivals in Bauchi State,” ban gender mixing, prohibit dancing between opposite sexes in the presence of children, and outlaw the sale or consumption of alcohol. They also restrict entry of armed individuals at venues.

Other rules include gender-based seating, suspension of activities during prayer times, and strict observance of traditional dress codes.

Hisbah further outlawed cultural and traditional events such as Sharo, Shadi, Garaya, Kauyawa Day, as well as entertainment forms including DJ performances, Gala, and Aloba. Gambling, prostitution, pornography, and “immoral” birthday celebrations were also listed among the prohibited activities.

“All recreational centers, clubs, and cultural organisations must comply with these directives or face sanctions,” the circular warned.

Confirming the development, the Commander of Hisbah, Muhammad Muhammad Bununu, said: “Yes, it is from us. We issued it.”