The Kano State Censorship Board has taken a decisive step to suspend 22 prominent Hausa film series for flouting established censorship laws, mandating an immediate halt to their broadcast and online availability.
This development was revealed in a statement released on Monday, May 19, 2025, following a board management session and consultations with key industry stakeholders.
The Board emphasized that the suspended productions were released without passing through the mandatory pre-release screening and approval process required by state regulations.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Abba El-Mustapha, authorized the suspension after an internal review revealed that the filmmakers bypassed official procedures in both production and distribution phases.
The Board’s Information Officer, Abdullahi Sulaiman, stated, “The suspended titles failed to comply with requirements mandating all films to be submitted for approval before being produced, marketed, streamed, or broadcast.”
Among the series affected are major hits in the Northern Nigerian entertainment scene, such as Dakin Amarya, Labarina, Gwarwashi, Dadin Kowa, Gidan Sarauta, and Manyan Mata.
Additional suspended works include Mashahuri, Wasiyya, Tawakkaltu, Mijina, Wani Zamani, Mallaka, Kudin Ruwa, Boka Ko Malam, Wayasan Gobe, Rana Dubu, Fatake, Jamilun Jiddan, Shahadar Nabila, Tabarmar, Kishiyata, and Rigar Aro.
“All producers and owners of these films must stop airing or streaming their content immediately and are required to submit their productions to the Board for censorship between Monday, May 19, and Sunday, May 25, 2025,” the statement warned.
The Board further cautioned that any failure to adhere to the deadline would result in legal action.
Media platforms and regulatory bodies were also encouraged to support the enforcement process.
“We are calling on television stations and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to support our efforts in ensuring compliance with censorship laws and promoting professionalism in the Kannywood industry,” the statement added.
This action is seen as part of the Kano State government’s renewed push to enforce regulatory standards and restore discipline within the Kannywood sector.
The films in question, which have gained significant traction across both traditional media and online platforms, have reignited the ongoing debate around the balance between regulation and artistic expression.
In reaffirming its stance, the Board reiterated its mission to uphold moral integrity and protect cultural values in Hausa-language media content.
