Scores of Nigerian Muslims arrested for eating during Ramadan  

In Kano, a state where Islamic law is enforced, officials say fasting is mandatory for Muslims from dawn to sunset.

The Hisbah, or Islamic police, said 20 people were detained for eating and drinking in public, while five others were arrested for selling food during fasting hours. Officials say the crackdown will continue throughout the holy month.

Mujahid Aminudeen, a senior officer of the Hisbah, said the arrests were necessary to uphold respect for Ramadan.

“It’s heartbreaking that in such a holy month meant for fasting, adult Muslims would be seen eating and drinking publicly. We won’t condone that, and that’s why we went out to make arrests,” he was quoted by Newscentral.

The arrested individuals were taken to a Sharia court, where they could face punishment.

Last year, those caught were released after promising to observe the fast. But this year, authorities are taking a stricter approach by ensuring offenders face legal action.

Aminudeen said that many arrests happen after tip-offs from the public.

“We do get calls from people who are enraged after seeing people eating in public, and we act fast by going to the area to make arrests,” he explained.

Kano is one of 12 northern Nigerian states that enforce Sharia law alongside the country’s secular legal system. The law applies to Muslims but does not affect Christians living in these areas.

The Hisbah is also known for arresting people for reasons beyond Ramadan, such as wearing certain hairstyles, dressing in shorts, or allowing men and women to sit together in public transport.

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam. Muslims believe it was when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, meaning it is a core religious duty.

This year’s Ramadan will last 29 or 30 days, ending on March 30. Authorities in Kano say they will continue to monitor and arrest Muslims who break the fast in public.