Shock as Kano Halts 'Gidan Sarauta' and 21 More! What’s Behind the Ban?

The Kano State Censorship Board has suspended popular Hausa series Gidan Sarauta and 21 others for breaking censorship laws and publishing their content without the required authorization.

The impacted titles were not submitted for the required censorship process prior to production, marketing, streaming, or transmission, the Board said in a statement on Monday.

Following a management meeting and discussions with important industry players, the suspension was agreed by the Board's Executive Secretary, Abba El-Mustapha.

"The suspended titles failed to comply with requirements mandating that all films be submitted for approval before being produced, marketed, streamed, or broadcast," stated Abdullahi Sulaiman, the Board's information officer.

Dakin Amarya, Labarina, Gwarwashi, Dadin Kowa, and Manyan Mata are among the other titles that have been suspended.

Also affected are Mashahuri, Wasiyya, Tawakkaltu, Mijina, Wani Zamani, Mallaka, Kudin Ruwa, Boka Ko Malam, Wayasan Gobe, Rana Dubu, Fatake, Jamilun Jiddan, Shahadar Nabila, Tabarmar, Kishiyata, and Rigar Aro.

“All producers and owners of these films must stop airing or streaming their content immediately and are required to submit their productions to the Board for censorship between Monday, May 19, and Sunday, May 25, 2025,” the statement read.

The Board issued a warning that there would be legal repercussions for noncompliance within the specified time frame.

Additionally, it called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and television networks to back enforcement initiatives and encourage professionalism in the Kannywood film business.