Kano Censorship Board Halts 22 Hausa Film Series Over Regulatory Breach
The Kano State Censorship Board has issued an immediate suspension of 22 Hausa-language film series, including beloved titles such as Labarina and Dadin Kowa, for allegedly bypassing regulatory procedures required by state law. The decision, announced by the Board’s Executive Secretary, Abba El-Mustapha, followed a high-level management meeting held earlier this week.
According to a statement released by the Board’s Information Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the affected productions were not submitted for the mandatory vetting and approval process before being distributed or aired. This requirement is a longstanding regulatory measure designed to ensure content aligns with local cultural, ethical, and legal standards.
Sulaiman stated that the Board’s action was in line with its mandate to monitor and approve all visual storytelling intended for public consumption, both within Kano State and beyond. He emphasized that producers failed to comply with these fundamental requirements, necessitating the suspension of their series.
The full list of suspended series includes Dakin Amarya, Mashahuri, Gidan Sarauta, Wasiyya, Tawakkaltu, Mijina, Wani Zamani, Labarina, Mallaka, Kudin Ruwa, Boka Ko Malam, Wayasan Gobe, Rana Dubu, Manyan Mata, Fatake, Gwarwashi, Jamilun Jiddan, Shahadar Nabila, Dadin Kowa, Tabarmar, Kishiyata, and Rigar Aro.
The Board has directed all producers and distributors of the suspended series to immediately cease broadcasting or streaming their content on television or digital platforms. Additionally, they have been instructed to submit their productions for official censorship between Monday, 19th May 2025, and Sunday, 25th May 2025. Failure to do so, Sulaiman warned, would lead to legal consequences.
This clampdown underscores the Censorship Board’s resolve to maintain oversight of the region’s vibrant film industry, often referred to as Kannywood. While the Board maintains that these measures are essential to uphold community standards, they have sparked debate within the creative industry—highlighting a persistent tension between regulatory control and artistic freedom.
As the affected producers prepare to respond to the directive, the wider Hausa entertainment audience is left wondering how this will impact ongoing storylines and the future of their favorite shows.
