The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested popular TikTok content creator Ukasha Yahaya, known as UK International. The arrest followed videos showing him hugging and bathing with women. The Deputy Commander General of the board, Dr Mujahid Aminuddeen, confirmed the arrest on Thursday. The 27-year-old was picked up after intelligence revealed he had entered Kano. He is currently in custody.
Kano State operates a strict interpretation of Shari’ah law. The Hisbah Board enforces public morality. In 2023, the board arrested several social media users for content deemed indecent. In 2024, it shut down a concert it considered immoral. The board’s actions often generate debate about freedom of expression and the limits of religious policing. TikTok has become a flashpoint. Content creators from Kano and other northern states have faced similar arrests.
Ukasha, a native of Gusau in Zamfara State and resident of Abuja, admitted during interrogation that he could not recall the number of videos he had produced with women. Some clips showed him dancing, hugging or carrying women. Others featured swimming and bathing scenes. He disclosed that some videos had attracted between one and three million views. Asked how he sourced the women, he said they approached him because he is a content creator. Asked if he could involve his sisters, he said all of them are married and that his mother and others had cautioned him repeatedly. He said he is considering quitting such content as he prepares for marriage. He apologised and pledged not to repeat the acts.
His TikTok account, UK INTERNATIONAL, has over 262,000 followers and 2.4 million likes. Dr Mujahid said Ukasha would be charged to court after investigations. He warned youths against using TikTok for activities that contravene morality and religion.
Winners: The Hisbah Board, which demonstrates enforcement. Conservative constituencies in Kano, who support the board’s actions. The court, which will hear the case. Losers: Ukasha, who faces prosecution and potential loss of income. His followers, who lose content. Content creators in Kano, who face increased scrutiny. Free expression advocates, who see another morality arrest. The Hisbah, if the case is seen as selective enforcement.
Bottom Line: A TikToker with 262,000 followers has been arrested for videos Kano considers obscene. The board enforces its morality. The courts will decide if the arrest is lawful. The debate about expression and religion continues.