By Mahmoud
KANO — The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested a popular TikTok personality, Ukasha Yahaya, widely known as UK International, over allegations of posting immoral and indecent content on social media.
The 27-year-old TikTok star was apprehended by operatives of the Hisbah Board in Kano. The arrest was confirmed by the board on Wednesday. He is currently in the custody of the Hisbah where he is being investigated.
The 27-year-old TikTok star was apprehended by operatives of the Hisbah Board in Kano. The arrest was confirmed by the board on Wednesday. He is currently in the custody of the Hisbah where he is being investigated.
Ukasha Yahaya, alias UK International, is a household name among TikTok users in Northern Nigeria. With thousands of followers, he became famous for his dance videos and skits, mostly featuring young ladies in what many describe as provocative and indecent manner.
According to the Hisbah Board, his content violates moral standards and promotes indecency contrary to the teachings of Islam and the cultural values of Kano State. The board said his videos, which show him dancing intimately with ladies in an immoral way, have been reported by concerned citizens.
The Hisbah Board said the arrest is part of its ongoing efforts to sanitise the social media space and curb immorality among youths. It stated that TikTok has become a platform where some youths promote nudity and behaviour considered as lack of proper upbringing, locally known as “rashin tarbiyya.”
At the time of filing this report, the suspect is still in the custody of the Hisbah Board where investigation is ongoing. Officials said he is being questioned and will be counselled before further action is taken.
Kano State operates under Sharia and conventional law. The Hisbah Board is empowered to arrest, counsel and prosecute individuals accused of acts considered immoral or against Islamic injunctions. Such cases are usually taken to Sharia court after investigation.
The arrest has generated mixed reactions on social media. While some people commended Hisbah for taking action, saying TikTok indecency is getting out of hand, others argued that youths should be enlightened rather than arrested.
The Hisbah Board has used the opportunity to warn other content creators, especially on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, to desist from posting obscene and indecent materials. It said anyone found promoting immorality will be invited or arrested.
The board said after its investigation, the TikToker may be charged to court or made to sign an undertaking to desist from such acts and to use his platform to promote good morals. His family members are said to have been contacted.
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