Kano State authorities have shut down Arfat, a popular shisha lounge located along Abdullahi Bayero Road, following a joint enforcement operation on October 18, 2025.
The closure resulted from coordinated action between the Kano State Tourism Board, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Kano State Police Command. The operation represents a significant escalation in government efforts to enforce existing legislation prohibiting shisha smoking across the state.
Alhaji Tukur Bala Sagagi, Chairman of the Kano State Tourism Board, emphasized that state law already bans shisha smoking and government will not tolerate violations. His comments signal a renewed commitment to enforcement after years of lax implementation that allowed shisha lounges to operate relatively unchecked.
The raid uncovered illegal substances reportedly being consumed at the venue, leading to arrests of suspects by NDLEA officers. This discovery validates concerns raised by religious and government officials about shisha lounges serving as cover for harder drug consumption among young people.
Sagagi issued a stern warning to owners of similar establishments, urging them to clean up their operations or shut down voluntarily before authorities take action. The statement suggests this won’t be an isolated incident, but rather the beginning of systematic enforcement across Kano State.
The crackdown comes after the Kano Shariah Commission announced an immediate ban on shisha smoking on October 9, citing health risks, drug abuse concerns and moral considerations. That decision triggered protests from frustrated youths who argued they were being collectively punished for the actions of a few individuals.
Vendors and lounge employees expressed fears about losing their livelihoods, with one shisha vendor stating the ban threatens his business survival. The economic impact could be substantial, as Kano’s entertainment sector employs thousands of young people in an economy already struggling with high youth unemployment.
Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje enacted legislation banning shisha smoking in 2021, though enforcement appeared to wane over time. The current administration under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf seems determined to revive and strictly implement these regulations as part of a broader campaign against drug abuse.
Religious officials have strongly supported the enforcement action. Shariah Commission officials claim many youths use shisha sessions as cover to consume hard drugs mixed with flavoured tobacco, contradicting Islamic teachings and cultural norms.
Public reaction remains divided. While religious leaders and anti-drug advocates applaud the crackdown, many young residents view it as government overreach that criminalizes a legal social activity enjoyed responsibly by most patrons. Some critics argue authorities should target specific criminal behavior rather than imposing blanket prohibitions.
The enforcement campaign reflects broader tensions in northern Nigerian states between traditional religious values and modern entertainment culture. Kano, despite being Nigeria’s second-largest city and a major commercial hub, maintains conservative Islamic governance that restricts various forms of social activity considered incompatible with religious teachings.
How far this crackdown extends remains uncertain. Kano hosts numerous entertainment venues, restaurants and recreation centers that could potentially fall under increased scrutiny. Business owners across the hospitality sector are watching nervously to see whether enforcement stops at shisha lounges or expands to other establishments.
The closure of Arfat sends an unmistakable message: Kano State intends to enforce its shisha ban seriously, regardless of economic consequences or public opposition. Whether this approach successfully addresses underlying drug abuse problems or merely drives the activity underground remains an open question that will only be answered in the months ahead.
Source: newsghana.com.gh
