Nigerian Islamic Police Arrest 25 for Eating in Public During Ramadan

Islamic police in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano have arrested Muslims caught eating, drinking, or selling food in public as Ramadan fasting began.

Mujahid Aminudeen, deputy commander of the Hisbah (Islamic police), told the BBC that 20 individuals were detained for not fasting and five for selling food, adding that enforcement would continue throughout the holy month, which began on Saturday.

“It is important to note that we don’t concern ourselves with non-Muslims,” he clarified.

Aminudeen emphasized that any “disrespect” for Ramadan would not be tolerated.

“It’s heartbreaking that in such a holy month meant for fasting, adult Muslims would be seen eating and drinking publicly. We won’t condone that, and that’s why we made these arrests,” he stated.

The 25 detainees have been charged in a Sharia court and will face punishment.

Aminudeen also revealed that Hisbah often receives tip-offs from concerned citizens who report public violations.

“We do get calls from people enraged after seeing others eating in public, and we act fast to make arrests,” he noted.

Beyond fasting violations, Hisbah officials also arrested individuals for “inappropriate haircuts,” wearing shorts above the knee, and tricycle drivers mixing male and female passengers.

Last year, offenders were released after pledging to fast, but this year’s detainees will face court proceedings.

Sharia law, implemented alongside secular law in 12 northern Nigerian states over two decades ago, applies only to Muslims in these regions.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds deep significance in Islam. Muslims believe it was during this time that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is obligatory during daylight hours throughout Ramadan, which is expected to conclude on March 30.