Kano government orders closure of entertainment centres for Ramadan

The Kano State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all entertainment centres across the state ahead of the Ramadan fasting period.

The directive was announced by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board, Abdullahi Sulaiman. It affects entertainment outlets commonly known as gala houses, as well as Disc Jockey (DJ) operators operating under the board’s regulatory jurisdiction.

“Effective from Wednesday, 18 February 2026, all such venues will remain closed until the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The directive will take effect from 10:00 p.m. on that day,” the statement read.

According to the board, the measure is aimed at creating a calm and morally conducive environment to allow Muslim faithful observe the fasting period without distractions.

“The action is intended to create a peaceful environment for residents to observe the Ramadan fast in accordance with religious injunctions,” Sulaiman stated.

He added that entertainment activities under the board’s supervision would remain suspended throughout the fasting period, while a date for reopening, particularly in preparation for Eid celebrations, would be communicated later.

“The closure will remain in force throughout the fasting period, while the date for reopening, particularly during the Eid celebrations, will be announced at the appropriate time,” he said.

The board urged owners of affected centres and DJs to comply fully with the directive, warning that enforcement teams would be deployed to monitor compliance. “Enforcement teams will be mobilised to monitor compliance, and any defiance of this order will attract appropriate sanctions,” Sulaiman warned.

The agency said the decision falls within its mandate to regulate entertainment activities and promote moral and social order during religious seasons. Following mixed reactions from residents, the board clarified that the directive does not apply to event centres used for weddings, conferences, or political gatherings.

One of the board’s directors, Usman Dankwano, explained that only venues strictly classified as entertainment outlets, such as gala houses and similar recreational joints under the board’s jurisdiction, are affected.

“Places meant purely for entertainment, like gala houses and similar joints which are under the jurisdiction of the Censorship Board, are affected,” Dankwano said. He stressed that event centres fall outside the board’s regulatory authority. “Event centres are not even under our jurisdiction. People misunderstood the directive,” he added.