The Kano State Hisbah Corps, responsible for enforcing Islamic laws, has raided and shut down a sports betting shop as part of its Ramadan enforcement measures.
The agency, which later deleted photos of the operation from its official Facebook page, confirmed the crackdown through its Deputy Commander, Sheikh Mujahideen Aminudeen. According to him, the action aligns with Kano’s strict Islamic laws, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
“It pains me that some Muslims still visit gambling centres while fasting is ongoing,” Aminudeen lamented.
This latest operation follows the arrest of 20 Muslims for publicly eating and drinking during fasting hours, as well as five individuals caught selling food. The Hisbah official expressed disappointment over these violations, stating:
“It’s heartbreaking that adult Muslims would eat publicly in such a holy month. We won’t condone it.”
The 25 arrested individuals are set to face trial in a Sharia court, where they may receive penalties in accordance with Islamic law. Hisbah reiterated that its enforcement applies strictly to Muslims.
Beyond tackling public eating and gambling, the board has also been targeting individuals with ‘indecent’ haircuts, those wearing shorts above the knee, and tricycle riders who mix male and female passengers.
Kano is among 12 northern Nigerian states that adopted Sharia law in 2000, banning activities such as gambling, alcohol consumption, and prostitution. Hisbah has remained active in enforcing these laws, particularly during Ramadan.
Aminudeen disclosed that many arrests are based on reports from concerned residents. “People call us when they see violations, and we respond immediately,” he noted.
As Ramadan continues, the Islamic police have warned against un-Islamic acts, stating that strict enforcement will continue with no leniency for offenders this year.