BREAKING: HISBAH POLICE ARREST 11 MUSLIMS EATING DURING RAMADAN FAST IN KANO

Kano, Nigeria – The Islamic police in Kano State, known as Hisbah, have arrested 11 Muslims on Wednesday for consuming food publicly during the Ramadan fast. The arrests included 10 men and one woman, highlighting the ongoing enforcement of Sharia law in the city during the holy month.Kano, a predominantly Muslim state in northern Nigeria, operates a dual legal system where Sharia law functions alongside the secular legal system. During Ramadan, Hisbah officers regularly carry out inspections of eateries, markets, and public spaces to ensure compliance with fasting regulations.Among those arrested was a woman selling groundnuts, reportedly seen eating from her own wares. The other ten individuals were apprehended in various parts of the city, particularly near busy markets.Speaking to the BBC, Hisbah spokesperson Lawal Fagge explained, “We got 11 persons on Wednesday, including a lady selling groundnuts who was seen eating from her wares and some persons alerted us. The others were men arrested across the city, especially close to markets where a lot of activities happen.”Fagge emphasized that the enforcement targets only Muslims. “We don’t arrest non-Muslims because this doesn’t concern them. The only time they could be guilty is if they cook food to sell to Muslims who are supposed to be fasting.”Those arrested were subsequently released after swearing an oath to adhere to the fast going forward. In some cases, Hisbah officers involved relatives or guardians to ensure the individuals would be monitored during the remainder of Ramadan.The Hisbah confirmed that operations would continue throughout the holy month, focusing on public compliance and educating residents about the religious observance of fasting.