The shaving of young men's hair by the Hisbah Command in Borno State during the Eid celebration has sparked controversy. The security outfit claims that the haircuts were carried out to monitor young men and women's interactions and prevent inappropriate behavior during the prayer ceremony. Hisbah commander, Abdurrahaman Musa, justified the action, stating that the haircut is contrary to the state's culture and morals. However, the move has been criticized as a violation of human rights.
Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the issue, stating that it is illegal to use force to enforce religious or cultural norms. NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, noted that the commission would investigate the matter and ensure that the culprits face the law.
The Borno State government has also issued a statement condemning the action, describing it as "a breach of the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the affected persons." The government assured the public that it would investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their displeasure with the Hisbah Command's action, with some calling for the outfit to be disbanded. Some have criticized the government for not doing enough to protect citizens' rights, while others have argued that the country's laws should be upheld regardless of religious or cultural beliefs.
The incident in Borno State is not the first time that the Hisbah Command has been accused of violating citizens' rights. In March 2021, the outfit arrested over 80 people in Kano for eating during the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan. The arrests sparked outrage, with many Nigerians criticizing the outfit for imposing religious beliefs on citizens who may not share them.
Human rights organizations have called on the Nigerian government to review the legality of the Hisbah Command and other similar outfits. They argue that the outfits violate citizens' rights to freedom of expression, religion, and association. Some have also called for the government to ensure that citizens are protected from arbitrary arrests, detention, and torture by security forces.
As the controversy over the Hisbah Command's actions continues, many Nigerians are calling on the government to take a stand on the issue and ensure that citizens' rights are protected. They argue that the country's laws should be upheld, regardless of religious or cultural beliefs.