Kano Islamic Police Arrest Nine For Eating In Public During Ramadan Fast

Islamic police in Kano State have arrested nine people for allegedly eating in public during fasting hours on the first day of Ramadan, highlighting strict enforcement of Sharia law in the state despite Nigeria’s secular constitution.

The Kano State Hisbah Corps confirmed that its operatives apprehended the suspects on Wednesday after they were reportedly seen consuming food at midday, a direct violation of the Islamic fasting obligation observed from dawn to sunset.

Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous northern states, operates a dual legal system where Islamic Sharia law functions alongside the country’s conventional legal framework.

During Ramadan, Hisbah officials routinely patrol markets, eateries and public spaces to ensure compliance with fasting rules among Muslims.

While some restaurants continue operations in areas largely inhabited by Christians and non-Muslims, observant Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking or engaging in other acts that invalidate the fast between sunrise and sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a fundamental religious duty.

Deputy Commander Mujahid Aminudeen told reporters that those arrested included seven men and two women.

“We have arrested them and they are currently with us. We will teach them the importance of fasting, how to pray, how to read the Qur’an, and how to be good Muslims,” Aminudeen said.

Authorities have yet to disclose when the detainees will be released, raising fresh questions about the scope and limits of religious policing in northern Nigeria.(SaharaReporters)