25 Arrested for Breaking Ramadan Rules In Nigeria.
The Islamic police force in Kano State, Nigeria, has launched a strict enforcement campaign at the start of Ramadan, arresting individuals found eating, drinking, or selling food in public. The crackdown, which began on March 3, 2025, aims to uphold the sanctity of the holy month, during which Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk.
Mass Arrests for Public Eating and Selling Food
Mujahid Aminudeen, the deputy commander of the Hisbah (Sharia enforcement agency), confirmed that 20 individuals were detained for not observing the fast, while five others were arrested for selling food. He emphasized that these operations will continue throughout Ramadan.
“It is heartbreaking that during this sacred month meant for fasting, some adult Muslims are seen eating and drinking publicly. We will not tolerate such acts, which is why we made these arrests,” Aminudeen stated.
All 25 individuals have been charged under Sharia law and will face appropriate punishment. Unlike last year, when offenders were released after pledging to fast, those arrested this year will be prosecuted.
More Arrests for “Inappropriate” Behavior
In addition to those breaking the fast, Hisbah officers also cracked down on individuals with “inappropriate” haircuts, those wearing shorts above the knee, and tricycle drivers mixing male and female passengers. Some arrests were made based on tip-offs from community members.
Sharia Law and Ramadan Observance in Northern Nigeria
Sharia law has been implemented alongside secular law in 12 northern Nigerian states with Muslim-majority populations for over two decades. However, these religious laws do not apply to Christian minorities living in the region.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds deep significance in Islam, as it is believed to be the period when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is observed from sunrise to sunset.
This year, Ramadan is expected to last for 29 or 30 days, concluding on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Hisbah officials have vowed to continue their strict enforcement measures to ensure compliance with fasting rules throughout the month.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
