A hotel in Sokoto has been shut down by the Hisbah Board over allegations that it repeatedly allowed underage girls to lodge on its premises despite earlier warnings.
Deputy Commander General of the board, Prof Abubakar Usman Ribah, confirmed the closure on Tuesday, saying the decision followed what officials described as persistent violations of regulations guiding hotel operations in the state.
Ribah accused the facility — identified as Executive Hotel — of breaching agreed rules that prohibit hotels from accommodating minors.
According to him, the management had previously been warned and had also signed an agreement, alongside other hotel operators, committing to stop the practice.
“This is the second time such an offence has been recorded at the Executive Hotel, despite previous warnings and assurances by the management to desist from the practice,” Ribah said.
He explained that the board opted to seal the hotel after concluding that it failed to comply with directives issued during earlier engagements with stakeholders in the hospitality sector.
Ribah added that the Hisbah Board would continue to enforce its code of conduct across the state, stressing that the actions were aimed at preserving public order, morality and cultural values.
The board did not immediately disclose how long the hotel will remain closed or whether further sanctions may follow.
