Authorities in the Northern Nigerian State of Kano have arrested at least 20 Muslims for eating and drinking in public during Ramadan, according to reports.
The arrests were carried out by Hisbah, the Islamic police responsible for enforcing Sharia law in the State. Additionally, five food vendors were also detained for selling food to those who were not fasting.
The deputy commander of Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, confirmed the arrests, stating that the crackdown would continue throughout the holy month of Ramadhan, which began on Saturday.
“It is heartbreaking that in such a holy month meant for fasting, adult Muslims would be seen eating and drinking publicly,” Aminudeen said. “Any disrespect for Ramadhan will not be condoned.”
The Hisbah operates under Kano State’s Sharia law, which applies to Muslims in the region. Kano is one of several northern Nigerian States that enforce Islamic law alongside the country’s secular legal system.
While Hisbah’s enforcement of religious rules has drawn criticism from human rights groups, the body remains active in ensuring adherence to Islamic principles.
Aminudeen emphasized that the Hisbah does not interfere with non-Muslims, indicating that their focus is on Muslims who fail to observe Ramadhan fasting. He also stated that all 25 individuals arrested would be charged in a Sharia court and punished accordingly.
Public reactions to the arrests have been mixed. Some residents support the Hisbah’s actions, arguing that public violations of fasting rules should not be tolerated in a predominantly Muslim state. Others, however, have raised concerns about personal freedoms and whether such arrests align with fundamental human rights.
This is not the first time Kano’s Hisbah police have enforced religious practices. The body has previously cracked down on indecent dressing, alcohol consumption, and even music concerts deemed “immoral.”
As the enforcement continues, rights groups and civil society organizations are expected to monitor the developments closely, especially regarding how the accused individuals are treated under the Sharia legal process.
