The Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board has banned all forms of public debates among praise singers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the state.

The board has also summoned two prominent artists, Usman Mai Dubun Isa and Shehi Mai Tajul-Izzi.

This development comes barely 24 hours after a heated public debate between the two prominent singers with wide followership surfaced online, an act that the board described as a violation of its operational guidelines.

Mai Dubun Isa and Shehi were invited, alongside organizers of the controversial debate held on Monday, asking them to report to the board within 24 hours.

Executive Secretary of the Board, Abba El-Mustapha, made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that the move is aimed at promoting peace, order and legal compliance among entertainers and religious performers in the state.

In a statement issued by the board’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, El-Mustapha emphasized that any form of religious debate in the state is now prohibited unless officially approved by the board.

While inaugurating a special investigative committee led by the Director of Special Duties of the board, Isah Abdullahi, the ES also directed all those summoned to appear before the committee to answer questions regarding the incident.

The board warned that organizing such debates without its approval constitutes a breach of the law and could attract severe penalties for those involved.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to regulating the activities of entertainers across the state and called on the public to maintain peace and continue to support its efforts of fostering cultural harmony and mutual understanding. (Daily Trust)