Kano authorities have arrested a comedian for filming on a highway, sparking outrage among skit makers.
Content creators demand clearer rules as officials tighten control on public space video shoots.
Content creators in Kano State are facing increased restrictions following the arrest of a popular comedian and his crew for filming on a public road. The arrest, which occurred on Tuesday, June 24, was led by Lawan Shu’aibu Aranposu, Deputy Managing Director of the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), and marks the beginning of a wider crackdown on unauthorized street content creation.
According to a statement released by KAROTA, the comedians were apprehended while shooting a skit on the Kano-Maiduguri Highway, near the Muhammadu Buhari Interchange/Underpass Bridge. Aranposu stressed that filming on major roads is now banned unless prior clearance is obtained from the Kano State Censorship Board, along with a formal notice submitted to KAROTA.
“Any drama shooting that will involve traffic obstruction must be communicated to KAROTA after securing permission from the Kano State Censorship Board,” Aranposu said. The arrested individuals have since been transferred to the Kano State Hisbah Board for further legal processing.
The traffic agency argues that the ban is aimed at ensuring public safety and unimpeded traffic flow, especially as the popularity of street-based content creation continues to rise.
Creators call for clarity, framework
The directive has sparked backlash among the local creative community, many of whom say the move threatens their livelihood and restricts artistic expression. Skit makers argue that street scenes are essential to their storytelling and that requiring permission for every shoot will hinder productivity.
“Most of our skits rely on real-life scenarios shot in public places,” said Adams Sahal, a Kano-based skit maker. “If we have to go through long approval processes every time, it will kill our creativity and slow down production.”
Another content creator, Aisha Musa, popularly known as Aisha Baby, also urged the state government to provide clear and accessible guidelines.
“We don’t mind following rules, but the government should provide a proper framework so we know where and how we can shoot without problems,” she said.
Despite the backlash, KAROTA’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Ibrahim Sharada, reiterated that the ban is not meant to suppress creativity but to protect the public from the risks posed by unsanctioned filming on busy roads.
The situation has stirred debates online, with many Nigerians expressing concern about how regulation could stifle the fast-growing digital content industry in northern Nigeria. Creators are now calling for a collaborative approach that balances safety with artistic freedom.
As the standoff continues, stakeholders are urging the Kano State government to engage with content creators to develop a regulatory framework that encourages creativity while maintaining order and public safety.
