The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested nine Muslims for allegedly eating in public on the first day of Ramadan, intensifying enforcement of fasting rules in the predominantly Muslim state.
The board’s Deputy Commander, Mujahid Aminudeen, confirmed the arrests on Thursday, stating that the suspects — seven men and two women were apprehended on Wednesday after they were sighted eating in broad daylight.
According to him, the action contravenes the Islamic obligation of fasting observed by Muslims between sunrise and sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We arrested them and they are with us. We will teach them the importance of fasting, how to pray and read the Qur’an, and how to become good Muslims,” Aminudeen said.
He, however, declined to state when the suspects would regain their freedom.
Kano, a largely Muslim state in northern Nigeria, operates Islamic law alongside the country’s conventional legal system. During Ramadan, Hisbah officials typically monitor markets, eateries and public spaces to ensure compliance with fasting regulations.
While restaurants are allowed to operate in areas with significant Christian populations and for non-Muslim residents, Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours.
The arrests have sparked renewed debate in some quarters over the scope of religious enforcement and individual rights during Ramadan, though Hisbah authorities maintain that their operations are aimed at preserving the sanctity of the holy month.
Efforts to reach civil rights groups in the state for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer and reflection.
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