The Kano State Government has sealed the controversial multimillion film house located in the Dorayi area of Gwale Local Government of the state, over alleged violations of planning regulations.

‎Daily Trust had reported how residents petitioned the Kano State Film Censorship Board over plans to open the Film House in the heart of their community.

‎The petition, submitted under the leadership of several groups in the area, said the community was worried about the potential impact of the facility on security, peace, and youth upbringing, especially given past security challenges in the area.

On Wednesday, the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS) sealed the facility.

KANGIS Director-General, Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, confirmed the temporary sealing on Wednesday during the agency’s “Operation Show Your Document” exercise.

According to him, the facility failed to provide the legal documents required for its operation.

“We cannot see whether they even have the required documents. They don’t have the title, they don’t have building approval, they don’t have anything to show,” he said.

He explained that even if the operators later present documents, the structure would still be regarded as illegal because it is situated within a residential area.

“Here is a residential site, and putting a film house in such a place violates planning and zoning regulations. Therefore, we have sealed the place until further notice,” he said.

The DG added that the government was also concerned about the impact of the facility on young people in the community.

“When we came here this morning, we found males and females in the same room and that’s where they sleep,” he said.

He assured residents that the government would continue to respond to complaints and protect community interests.

“I’m calling on the community to know that the government is with them, and our doors are open for complaints,” he added.

The KANGIS boss reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding residents’ interests and ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations across Kano State.‎

‎Daily Trust reports that filmmaker Sultan Abdulrazaq Dorayi built the Film House as the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, with plans to open it in the coming days.

Sultan is widely known for translating Indian films into Hausa and producing movies in Kannywood.