…as the Kano Film Censorship Board directs owner to issue a public apology.
KANO, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that the Kano Film Censorship Board has sealed a herbal medicine shop in the state following allegations that its owner used children in an indecent advertisement promoting sexual enhancement products.
The decisive move by the Kano Film Censorship Board came after what officials described as multiple complaints from concerned residents who flagged the advert for containing inappropriate language and imagery deemed harmful to public morality and child protection standards.
According to a statement signed by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the Kano Film Censorship Board acted swiftly upon receiving petitions from members of the public.
The statement confirmed that the herbal shop was shut down pending the outcome of a full investigation. Authorities said the advert in question allegedly involved minors in promotional material for sexual enhancement products, a development that sparked outrage across sections of the state.
The iNews Times gathered that Kano, being one of Nigeria’s most culturally conservative states, maintains strict oversight of media content through the Kano Film Censorship Board, which regulates films, advertisements, and public entertainment materials to ensure compliance with moral and legal standards.
Chairman of the Kano Film Censorship Board, Abba El-Mustapha, disclosed that the shop owner, popularly known as “Nagwale,” has been summoned to appear before the Board to respond formally to the allegations.
El-Mustapha emphasized that the Board would not tolerate any form of content that exploits minors or violates advertising ethics, particularly in a state where cultural and religious sensitivities remain strong.
“The Board has invited him to explain the circumstances surrounding the production and circulation of the advert,” the Chairman stated, adding that further sanctions could follow depending on the findings of the investigation.
The Director of the Ethics Department at the Kano Film Censorship Board, Zakari Garun Babba, described the alleged use of children in advertising sexual enhancement products as a serious breach of regulatory standards.
“Sellers and promoters of these kinds of products must understand that involving children or indecent content in adverts is unacceptable and punishable,” Babba warned.
He reiterated that protecting minors from exploitation remains a top priority of the Board and urged business owners to strictly adhere to advertising guidelines.
Experts note that across Nigeria, regulatory bodies such as the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and state censorship boards have repeatedly cautioned marketers against using explicit content or minors in promotional materials, especially for sensitive products.
In a surprising development, the statement revealed that the accused shop owner reportedly admitted wrongdoing and appealed for forgiveness from the people of Kano.
As part of disciplinary measures, the Kano Film Censorship Board directed him to issue a comprehensive public apology. This apology must be delivered in written, audio, and video formats and will be officially documented for future reference.
Sources within the Board say such documentation serves as a compliance record and may influence future regulatory decisions involving the individual.
The latest enforcement action underscores the increasing vigilance of the Kano Film Censorship Board in monitoring advertisements, particularly those circulated via social media and local broadcast channels.
Kano’s status as a major commercial hub in Northern Nigeria means that marketing campaigns often reach large and diverse audiences. Authorities have consistently warned that content deemed indecent, misleading, or exploitative will attract sanctions.
Industry observers say the incident serves as a cautionary tale for herbal medicine vendors and product promoters who frequently rely on sensational marketing strategies to drive sales.
The iNews Times understands that beyond this specific case, the Board may intensify surveillance of advertising content in markets and online platforms operating within the state.
Officials have also called on members of the public to continue reporting questionable advertisements to relevant authorities. The Kano Film Censorship Board stated that community vigilance played a crucial role in bringing the matter to light.
The Board reiterated its commitment to upholding moral standards, protecting minors, and ensuring that commercial advertising does not undermine public values.
As investigations continue, the sealed herbal shop will remain closed until regulatory authorities conclude their review and determine any additional penalties.
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