The Hisbah Council of Kano, in northern Nigeria, has arrested 25 Muslims for allegedly eating, drinking and selling food in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan. Mujahideen Abubakar, deputy commandant general of the Council’s operations, told the BBC that the operation, which began on Saturday, will continue until the end of the month. “It is important to note that we do not concern ourselves with non-Muslims any lack of respect for Ramadan will not be tolerated”, he said. He added that 20 people have been arrested for not fasting and five others for selling food. We intervene immediately by going to the scene to make arrests”. Abubakar added that the 25 individuals have been charged before a sharia court and will be punished accordingly. The fast of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim. However, exemptions apply to sick, pregnant, travelling, nursing, menstruating, and elderly persons who are unable to fast. The Conseil de la Hisbah de Kano is responsible for enforcing the moral rules of Islamic law in the state. The agency has already been illustrated by various interventions, including the destruction of alcoholic beverages, the arrest of unmarried men and women found together in hotels, and the prohibition of the use of mannequins in boutiques.
Nigeria: More than 23 people arrested for eating in public during Ramadan
