Hisbah Arrests 25 In Kano For Violating Ramadan Fast

The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested at least 20 Muslims for eating and drinking in public during the ongoing Ramadan fast.

Following the sighting of the crescent moon on Friday evening, February 28, 2025, Muslims in most parts of the world commenced the Ramanda Fast on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

The Hisbah Board apart from arresting those caught eating in public, also apprehended five other individuals for selling food during fasting hours which extend from dawn to sunset.

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam which requires adult Muslims to refrain from eating, drinking, and other prohibited activities from sunrise to sunset for 29 or 30 days.

Mujahid Aminudeen, the deputy commander of Hisbah in Kano State, while confirming the arrests, explained that the action was taken to uphold the sanctity of the holy month just as he expressed disappointment that some Muslims were openly disregarding the fast.

According to Aminudeen; “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 is why we went out to make arrests”.

Aminudeen said that all 25 individuals taken into custody had been charged before a Sharia court, where they would receive appropriate punishment.

The Hibah boss however said that the enforcement of fasting laws applies only to Muslims, stressing that the Board did not concern itself with non-Muslims.

Aminudeen also said the Board which commenced the operation since the beginning of the Ramadan, would continue such arrest throughout the month, adding that Hisbah officers also arrested people for other offenses such inappropriate haircuts, wearing shorts above the knee, and allowing mixed-gender passengers in tricycles.

Aminudeen said that many of the arrests were made after receiving complaints from concerned residents who usually made calls after seeing people eating in public, adding that once they receive such calls, they act fast by going to the area to make arrests.

According to Aminudeen; “Last year, some individuals were released after promising to observe the fast, while others were placed under the supervision of their guardians. “However, this year’s offenders would not be given leniency and would face legal consequences”.