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The Islamic police in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano apprehended 11 Muslims on Tuesday for consuming food during the Ramadan fast.
Kano, with a predominantly Muslim population, operates under Sharia, an Islamic legal system alongside secular law.
Known as Hisbah, the Islamic police conduct routine searches of eateries and markets during Ramadan.
The 10 men and one woman were released after pledging not to intentionally break their fast again.
“We apprehended 11 individuals on Tuesday, including a woman selling groundnuts who was observed eating from her wares after being alerted by some individuals,” stated Hisbah spokesman Lawal Fagge to the BBC.
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“The other 10 were men arrested across the city, particularly near busy markets.”
Fagge noted that search operations would persist, clarifying that non-Muslims were exempt. “We don’t detain non-Muslims as this is not applicable to them. The only situation where they may be found guilty is if they prepare food for sale to Muslims who are fasting.”
Regarding the detainees, Fagge mentioned they were released after agreeing to adhere to fasting regulations from that point on. “For some, we sought the involvement of their relatives or guardians to ensure compliance.”
About two decades ago, Sharia was adopted in 12 of Nigeria’s northern states, all with Muslim majorities, to complement secular law.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds special significance in Islam, marking the period when Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is observed during daylight hours.
This year, Ramadan is slated to span 30 days, with fasting commencing on Monday, March 11, and anticipated to conclude on Tuesday, April 9.
