Hisbah shuts down lodge, seizes 209 cartons of alcohol in Yobe

The Yobe State Hisbah Commission, in a joint operation with the NDLEA and NSCDC, has seized 209 cartons of alcohol and temporarily shut down Maina Lodge in Damaturu for allegedly serving as a hub for prohibited substances.

Chairman of the Hisbah Commission, Dr. Yahuza Abubakar, announced the development on Friday, detailing the agency’s intensified crackdown on alcohol and immoral activities across the state.

According to Dr. Abubakar, officials intercepted a Golf vehicle with license plate ABJ-144-SC loaded with alcohol at Maina Lodge.

A follow-up search of VIP Room 07 in the lodge led to the discovery of an additional 34 bottles of liquor.

“The lodge has been sealed off pending the outcome of our investigations to identify those responsible for smuggling the alcohol,” he said, adding that the commission is working closely with lodge management to trace the culprits.

In a separate operation on May 13, Hisbah, backed by NSCDC and Yobe State Road Traffic Agency (YOROTA), raided Karin Alkali community and confiscated 34 more bottles of alcohol.

Abubakar also revealed that the commission responded to a distress call from Waziri Ibrahim community, where a residential building allegedly used for prostitution was shut down for three months, pending further inquiry.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni for his ongoing support and commended security agencies for their cooperation.

“These operations reflect our strong commitment to enforcing moral standards and curbing illegal activities in Yobe State,” he stated.

The authorities reaffirmed their dedication to enforcing laws against alcohol and immoral conduct and urged residents to report suspicious behavior. Investigations into all incidents are ongoing.