KANO BANS FILMS IN 22 LANGUAGES

In a decisive move aimed at tightening regulatory control over film content, the Kano State Censorship Board has banned 22 Hausa-language film series, including popular titles such as Labarina and Dadin Kowa. The ban comes amid allegations that producers of the affected series failed to comply with the mandatory vetting process required under state law.

The directive was issued by the Board’s Executive Secretary, Abba El-Mustapha, following a management meeting earlier this week. A formal statement released by the Board’s Information Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, confirmed that the banned series had not undergone the required censorship review before being distributed or broadcast to the public.

“The Board has suspended 22 Hausa film series for violating our guidelines, which require that all films be submitted for censorship before public release,” Sulaiman said in the statement.

Titles affected by the ban include:

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

Rigar Aro

The Board emphasized that content creators must halt all broadcasts and online streams of these series until they are submitted for censorship approval. Producers have been given until Monday, May 19, 2025, to comply, or face legal consequences.

Sulaiman also urged all television stations and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to support the Board’s directive, calling for collective efforts to uphold professional standards and foster development within the Kannywood industry.

“This action is part of ongoing efforts by the Kano State government to sanitize and restructure the Kannywood film sector, encouraging responsible storytelling that aligns with cultural and moral expectations,” the statement added.

The ban has sparked public discourse on the balance between regulatory oversight and creative freedom. Nonetheless, the Censorship Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining cultural values and ethical storytelling in the region’s film industry.