Hisbah Commission Seizes 209 Cartons of Alcohol, Closes Maina Lodge in Yobe(pictures)

By Yusuf A. Yusuf, Damaturu

The Yobe State Hisbah Commission, in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), confiscated 209 cartons of alcohol and shut down Maina Lodge in Damaturu on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.  

Hisbah Commission Chairman, Dr. Yahuza Abubakar, disclosed the development during a press briefing on Friday, detailing the agency’s recent crackdown on prohibited substances and immoral activities.

According to Abubakar, the operation targeted a Golf vehicle (license plate ABJ-144-SC) loaded with the seized alcohol at Maina Lodge. A subsequent search of the lodge’s VIP Room 07 single uncovered an additional 34 bottles of alcohol.  

“The lodge has been temporarily closed pending the conclusion of investigations to identify the driver and individuals responsible for smuggling the contraband into the state,” Abubakar stated.The commission is collaborating with lodge management to trace those involved.  

In a related operation on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Hisbah Commission, supported by NSCDC and the Yobe State Road Traffic Agency (YOROTA), raided Karin Alkali community, seizing 34 bottles of alcohol.

"Separately, the commission responded to a distress call from Waziri Ibrahim community, leading to the closure of a residential building allegedly used for prostitution.The property has been shut for three months pending further investigation".said Dr. Yahuza 

He commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for his unwavering support of the commission’s operations and praised security agencies for their collaboration.“These successes underscore our commitment to upholding moral standards and combating illicit activities in Yobe State,” he affirmed.  

Authorities reiterated their resolve to enforce strict compliance with state laws prohibiting alcohol consumption and immoral conduct, urging residents to report suspicious activities. Investigations into the incidents remain ongoing.