The Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has ordered the closure of night clubs in the state.
The governor announced the directive in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ibrahim Njodi, on Monday evening.
The government said the closures became imperative following an increase in “immoral and unholy acts” by youths in the night clubs.
The Gombe SSG added that there had been several complaints from the general public on the incessant criminal activities and security breaches perpetrated in such night clubs.
The governor also directed the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Operation Hattara to mobilise their personnel to implement the directive and ensure strict compliance.
The directive was immediately obeyed, leading to the arrest of 46 suspects, 32 females and 14 males, who were from a local nightclubs popularly known as Gidan Gala.
Parading the suspects before journalists, the State Commandant of the state Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Mu’azu Sa’ad, said, “The suspects were found wanting for perpetrating immoral and criminal acts in these Gidan Gala.
“The command has been able to reach out to some of the parents of the suspects, and will also be charging them to court.”
He added that while the directive was issued around 4pm on Monday, the suspects were apprehended around 9pm.
“The suspects were arrested at Sabon Gida BCGA, Jamiyar Gadan Gala at New Mile 6, while others were arrested at Gidan Wasa/Gidan Drama at New Mile 3, and others were arrested at Liji, along Kalshingi Road,” he added.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman, ‘Masu Gidan Gala da Wasa’, Usman Muhammad, who was also paraded, noted that the clubhouses are places of entertainment and also means of livelihood for most of these girls who have to fend for themselves and their families.
“The kind of entertainment we provide is the kind where we organise dances and also drama where people come to watch, and we also enlighten them of societal issues,” Muhammad said.
Muhammad added that he pays the girls a minimum of N50,000 per month.
