Operatives of the Kebbi State Hisbah Board have arrested a man allegedly discovered hiding inside a “Ghana Must-Go” bag at the residence of a married woman in the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi, in a case that has triggered widespread public reaction and renewed debate around morality enforcement and private conduct.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement by the Director of Sharia at the Hisbah Board, Sirajo Kamba, who said the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, May 18, 2026, after residents reportedly observed a man entering the woman’s home around 12:15 a.m.
According to the statement, neighbours grew suspicious of what they described as a possible breach of Islamic moral norms, particularly given concerns around illicit relationships involving a married woman. The matter was subsequently reported to the Hisbah authorities.
Officers were immediately deployed to the residence to investigate the complaint.
“The residents suspected an illicit affair contrary to Islamic teachings, hence their decision to notify the authority,” Kamba said.
Upon arrival, Hisbah operatives requested permission to search the premises. The married woman initially insisted that she was alone and that no other individual was inside the house.
However, after further questioning, she reportedly allowed officers to conduct a full search of the property.
During the search, operatives allegedly discovered a man concealed inside a large “Ghana Must-Go” bag in what appeared to be an attempt to avoid detection.
The discovery prompted immediate arrest of the suspect.
Kamba said preliminary investigations indicated that both individuals were allegedly involved in a romantic relationship, adding that they later confessed during interrogation.
He further stated that the suspects would be charged before a Sharia court in accordance with applicable Islamic legal provisions.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the role of the Kebbi State Hisbah Board, which has intensified enforcement operations in recent months across communities in the state.
Just days before the arrest, the agency detained a married woman and five others during a separate raid on a hotel in Birnin Kebbi over alleged immoral conduct.
Hisbah officials say the increased operations are part of ongoing efforts to uphold public morality and enforce compliance with Islamic teachings and community standards.
The latest case has sparked discussion in the state over the boundaries between private conduct, religious morality enforcement, and community surveillance, particularly in cases involving married individuals.
Authorities say further details will be disclosed as the case proceeds in court.
