Hisbah Board Arrests 20 Persons In Kano For Eating In Public During Ramadan

The Kano State Hisbah Board has said it detained 20 Muslims for consuming food and drink in public during the fasting hours, noting it is a bid to ensure the sanctity of Ramadan.

The board said it has also apprehended five individuals for selling food while Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk.

This year’s Ramadan, a significant observance in Islam, is anticipated to conclude on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

The Deputy Commander of Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, revealed the number of arrests on Monday, stating, “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 disclosed that all 25 suspects would be tried in a Sharia court and face the corresponding penalties.

Aminudeen noted that the Hisbah Board specifically targets only Muslims, asserting, “It is important to note that we don’t concern ourselves with non-Muslims.”

He further explained that this operation commenced at the beginning of Ramadan and will persist throughout the month.

Among other actions, the board has also taken steps against individuals sporting “inappropriate haircuts,” those dressed in shorts above the knee, and tricycle drivers who mix male and female passengers.

The board’s actions come in response to calls from vigilant residents who report public eating violations.

“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,” Aminudeen stated.

Last year, some offenders were released after they promised to adhere to the fast, while others were placed under guardianship.

However, this year, he assured that those arrested would not receive leniency and would face strict legal consequences.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, marked Saturday as the first day of Ramadan following the sighting of the crescent moon on Friday, February 28.