Ramadan Crackdown: Nigerian Authorities Arrest Muslims Over Public Eating

During Ramadan, Islamic authorities in Kano, Nigeria, announced a series of arrests of Muslims caught eating in public, emphasizing adherence to fasting laws. This initiative aims to uphold the sanctity of the holy month, with numerous individuals facing legal consequences.

The Hisbah, or Islamic police, have begun a robust crackdown in Kano, Nigeria, as the month of Ramadan unfolds. Twenty Muslims were detained for publicly eating or drinking, while five others were apprehended for selling food during this sacred period of fasting that began last Saturday. Deputy Hisbah commander, Mujahid Aminudeen, spoke to the BBC, explaining that the operations will persist throughout Ramadan.

"Any form of disrespect towards Ramadan will not be accepted," he asserted, expressing disappointment at adult Muslims consuming food in public during this holy month. All arrested individuals have been charged within a Sharia court and are facing potential punishment. Aminudeen also mentioned that complaints from community members often prompt these enforcement actions.

The police have recently reported other minor offenses leading to arrests, such as inappropriate hairstyles and tricycle drivers mingling male and female passengers. Notably, last year, those apprehended for not observing the fast were released after committing to future adherence, with family members tasked with monitoring their compliance. In contrast, this year's detainees are not benefitting from the same leniency, as they confront further legal ramifications.

Sharia law coexists with secular legal systems in twelve northern Nigerian states, primarily populated by Muslims, and it is not applicable to the region's Christian minorities. Ramadan, recognized as the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds immense importance for Muslims, commemorating the revelation of Quranic verses to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, mandates abstaining from food and drink from dawn until dusk. Ramadan is expected to continue for another 29 or 30 days, concluding around March 30.