Nine Arrested in Kano for Allegedly Eating in Public on First Day of Ramadan |LAGOS EYE NEWS

Islamic police in Kano State have arrested nine Muslims for allegedly eating in public during fasting hours on the first day of this year’s Ramadan.

The arrests were carried out on Wednesday by the Hisbah Board, the body responsible for enforcing Sharia law in the state.

Kano, a predominantly Muslim state in northern Nigeria, operates the Islamic legal system alongside the conventional secular law. During Ramadan, officials of the Hisbah conduct routine patrols across eateries, markets and public spaces to ensure Muslims comply with the fasting obligation.

Fasting during Ramadan — the ninth month of the Islamic calendar — is one of the five pillars of Islam and requires Muslims to abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset.

Confirming the development, the Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, disclosed that the suspects comprised seven males and two females.

According to him, the individuals claimed they were unaware that the Ramadan fast had commenced.

“We have arrested them and they are with us where we are going to be teaching them the importance of fasting, how to pray, read the Quran and become better Muslims,” Aminudeen stated.

As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear when the suspects will be released. However, in previous similar cases, the Hisbah authorities reportedly contacted families of those detained to ensure compliance with the fast after their release.

Sharia law was introduced over two decades ago in 12 northern Nigerian states with majority Muslim populations, including Kano.

Ramadan holds special significance in Islam as Muslims believe it was during this period that the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The fasting period lasts 29 or 30 days.

In Nigeria, this year’s Ramadan commenced on Wednesday, February 18, and is expected to end on either March 21 or 22, subject to moon sighting.