The Kano State Censorship Board has suspended the conduct of activities popularly referred to as “after-party” and “hot challenge” at weddings and other social gatherings as part of efforts to strengthen the regulation of public events across the state.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Saturday by the board’s Executive Secretary, Abba El-Mustapha, in a statement issued by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sulaiman.
According to the board, the decision was prompted by concerns over the growing popularity of the activities, which it described as foreign-influenced practices that do not reflect Kano State’s cultural, moral, and religious values.
The board explained that the suspension is part of a wider initiative to regulate the activities of masters of ceremony (MCs), event planners, and event centres operating within the state.
It maintained that while entertainment remains an important part of weddings and social occasions, such activities must be conducted in a manner that respects the state’s traditions, moral standards, and religious beliefs.
The board added that responsible entertainment would continue to be encouraged, provided it complies with existing regulations and promotes decency.
To ensure compliance, event centres, MCs, event organisers, and other stakeholders have been directed to immediately stop organising or promoting the suspended activities.
The board warned that anyone who violates the directive could face legal action under the laws governing the Kano State Censorship Board.
Residents were also urged to report any event centre or master of ceremony found organising the banned activities, provided the incidents occur within Kano State.
The latest directive follows a series of measures introduced by the board to regulate public celebrations. In May 2026, the board prohibited the observance of “Kauyawa Day,” a wedding-related tradition, stating that it no longer aligns with the state’s efforts to promote public morality and social order.
As part of that enforcement, event centres were barred from hosting activities linked to Kauyawa Day, while security agencies, the Hisbah Board, local vigilante groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community organisations were engaged to support compliance.
The board said the measures are intended to sanitise the entertainment sector and discourage activities considered harmful to the state’s societal values.
With the latest suspension of “after-party” and “hot challenge” activities, the Kano State government has further expanded its efforts to regulate how weddings and other public celebrations are conducted.
