11 Muslims Arrested for Eating in Public During Ramadan in Nigeria

In the northern Nigerian state of Kano, the Hisbah, or Islamic police, have intensified their enforcement of religious laws during the holy month of Ramadan. Recently, multiple individuals, all of whom are Muslims, were arrested for eating in public during fasting hours. Among them was a female groundnut vendor, alongside others who were caught consuming food in open spaces. The Hisbah officials stated that these individuals were later released after making pledges to observe the fast, with their family members tasked with ensuring their compliance for the rest of the month.

In a separate crackdown, authorities detained 20 Muslims who were seen eating in public and five others for selling food during fasting hours. These 25 individuals were subsequently charged in a Sharia court for violating Islamic fasting regulations. The Hisbah clarified that their enforcement applies strictly to Muslims and does not extend to non-Muslims unless they are found selling food to those who are supposed to be fasting. The agency has also reiterated that their mission is to uphold the sanctity of Ramadan and maintain religious discipline among adherents.

This enforcement is part of a broader effort by the Hisbah to ensure strict adherence to Islamic practices in Kano and other northern states where Sharia law is implemented. The crackdown reflects the authorities' commitment to preserving the sacred nature of the fasting period, despite concerns over personal freedoms. With Ramadan still ongoing, the Hisbah has indicated that its monitoring will continue throughout the month to prevent further violations and reinforce religious obligations among the Muslim population.