The Chairman Task Force Committee on closure of all gala houses and joints Group Captain Bitrus Bilal (retd.), on Friday lamented the proliferation in the conversion of homes to nightclubs, brothels in Gombe State.
Our correspondent reports that recently the committee closed all gala houses (local nightclubs) in the metropolis, following reports that they accommodate criminals.
Lamenting the challenge, Bilal said the warning was sequel to the committee’s meeting adding that “there is still the reports of the activities of some establishments: Gala Houses, Brothels and unlicensed night clubs, within Gombe State where illegal and immoral activities take place and are used as sanctuaries of some criminal elements.”
Bilal added, “This activities are in spite the effort of the Task Force in carrying out some demolitions and closure of some of this establishments as it recently was appreciated by the citizens and some concerned religious organisations.
“Some of this establishments in question are still used to harbor fugitives from justice, propagate illegal and immoral activities in some parts of the State all against the state government’s effort to protect public welfare, promote moral values and to ensure safety and wellbeing of its citizens.”
While decrying the security challenges from the existence of such places, Bilal warned that property owners saying they risk having them confiscated by government.
“Some land owners have continued to allow their property to be used as Gala Houses, Brothels or unlicensed nightclubs, some have converted private houses into nightclubs/Hotels without approvals or change of purpose from responsible State Agencies like GOSUPDA, GOGIS and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism.
“For the avoidance of doubts, all Gala houses (by whatever name called), all brothels and all unlicensed nightclubs operating within the jurisdiction of Gombe State are banned from conducting their respective activities. The ban includes the closure and prohibition of any new Gala House (by whatever name called), brothel and all unlicensed night clubs among others from operating within the State.
“Henceforth, any land owner that directly or indirectly allows his property to be used as Gala house, brothel or unlicensed night club shall have that property confiscated by the government and may be demolished or converted into a place for public use as contained in the executive order number 006 of 2023.
“Violators of this order shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by the existing laws and regulations, including but not limited to fines, closure of establishments and legal prosecution,” Bilal added.
