Authorities in Kano State, northern Nigeria, have suspended 22 Hausa-language drama series from airing or streaming, citing violations of local censorship laws. The move, announced on Monday, 19 May 2025, is part of a renewed effort by the Kano State Censorship Board to tighten regulation in the region’s thriving film industry, known as Kannywood.
According to the Board, the affected series were produced and released without undergoing the mandatory pre-approval process required by state law. Executive Secretary Abba El-Mustapha authorised the suspension after discovering that the titles had bypassed official scrutiny. “These productions were distributed outside legal channels,” said Board spokesperson Abdullahi Sulaiman.
Among the suspended titles are some of the most popular in the Hausa-speaking world, including Labarina, Dakin Amarya, Dadin Kowa, Gidan Sarauta, Manyan Mata, and Gwarwashi. These series are widely watched across Nigeria, neighbouring countries, and the global Hausa-speaking diaspora.
All producers and content owners have been instructed to immediately halt distribution and submit their work to the Board for review between 19 May and 25 May 2025. The Board warned that non-compliance will result in legal action.
The Censorship Board also called on television stations and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to support enforcement efforts and promote adherence to industry standards.
This clampdown is part of broader efforts by Kano’s government to preserve cultural and religious values through stricter oversight of media content. However, critics argue that the move could suppress creative freedom and hinder the industry’s growth.
Kannywood, often considered the northern counterpart to Nollywood, has experienced rapid growth with the rise of digital platforms. As the industry gains international attention, this controversy highlights the ongoing struggle between local content regulation and global media trends.
