Kano State Government Closes Popular Shisha Lounge Over Law Violation

The Kano State Government has officially shut down a popular shisha lounge, Arfat, located along Abdullahi Bayero Road in the state capital.

According to reports, the closure of the shisha lounge in Kano was carried out through a joint operation involving the Kano State Tourism Board, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Kano State Police Command.

Authorities stated that the move was part of the ongoing campaign to enforce public morality laws and combat the growing use of illicit substances within entertainment centers across the state.

The NDLEA operatives and police officers were seen on site ensuring compliance, sealing off the lounge’s premises. This action aligns with the state’s long-standing ban on shisha smoking, which officials say contributes to substance abuse among youths.

A representative from the Kano State Tourism Board emphasized that all hospitality and recreational centers operating within the state must strictly adhere to the established public order and morality regulations. The agency also warned that similar operations will continue in the coming days to ensure full compliance.

Residents in the area commended the government’s decisive action, saying it would help discourage drug abuse and other forms of social misconduct among young people. However, some youths argued that instead of shutting such lounges completely, the government should consider implementing controlled recreational guidelines that allow operations under proper regulation and supervision.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed its stance that any facility promoting the sale or consumption of banned substances, including shisha, will face immediate closure and legal prosecution.

This latest crackdown demonstrates the administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order, while also safeguarding the moral and social standards that define the state’s identity.

For now, the Arfat Lounge remains sealed, with ongoing investigations expected to determine whether further penalties will be applied against its management.