The Islamic police (Hisbah) in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano arrested nine Muslims on Wednesday for eating food during the ongoing Ramadan fast.
Arrests and Enforcement
The arrests followed an intensive search by Hisbah officers across restaurants, cafes, and markets, targeting Muslims who were not adhering to the fast.
Deputy Commander General Mujahid Aminudeen told the press that the nine individuals claimed they were unaware that Ramadan had begun. He explained that Hisbah would teach them the importance of fasting, reading the Quran, and adhering to Sharia Law to become better Muslims.
Annual Enforcement Tradition
Hisbah conducts similar enforcement campaigns each year during Ramadan. In 2024, the group arrested 11 Muslims for eating during the fast. Those individuals were later absolved after pledging to abstain from food and drink, with their families tasked to monitor them.
Ramadan Observance
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast daily from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and drink as part of spiritual devotion. This year’s Ramadan began on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and is expected to end on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Conclusion
The arrests highlight the role of Hisbah in enforcing religious observance in Kano, where Sharia law is applied alongside Nigeria’s national legal framework. As Ramadan continues, Hisbah’s actions underscore the tension between personal choice and religious enforcement in the region.
