The Hisbah, Kano State’s Islamic police, have arrested 25 Muslims for publicly eating and selling food at the start of Ramadan, a period of fasting from dawn to dusk. According to Deputy Commander Mujahid Aminudeen, 20 individuals were detained for not fasting, while five were apprehended for selling food. The enforcement operations will continue throughout the month.
Aminudeen emphasized that Hisbah does not target non-Muslims but will not tolerate any “disrespect” for Ramadan. Tip-offs from the public often lead to swift arrests. Those detained have been charged in a Sharia court, unlike last year when some were released after promising to fast.
In addition to fasting violations, Hisbah also arrested individuals for “inappropriate haircuts,” wearing shorts above the knee, and tricycle drivers transporting mixed-gender passengers.
Sharia law, introduced in 12 northern Nigerian states over 20 years ago, operates alongside secular law and applies only to Muslims. Ramadan, a sacred month in Islam, is observed through fasting, prayer, and reflection, and will end on March 30.
