The Kano State Hisbah Board Department of Public Enlightenment has cautioned non-Muslim residents of the state not to eat in public during Ramadan fasting.
The Board’s Director-General, Abba Sai’Idu, revealed this in an interview with AIT.live, saying that it is illegal for Christians and other non-Muslims to eat openly or do anything publicly that undermines the Islamic religion or tempts those fasting.
The Hisbah Boss further added that the enforcement team was now conducting more frequent patrols across the city to arrest any Muslim who was observed engaging in any practice that was not in accordance with Islamic culture during the holy month.
Recall that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, designated Monday, March 11, 2024, as the first day of Ramadan 1445AH, so declaring the start of fasting in the country.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims are supposed to refrain from eating, drinking, having sex, or smoking during the day, as well as any other behaviors prohibited by the Holy Quran.
In 2021, SaharaReporters reported that the Kano State Hisbah Board arrested eight women and three men for eating during Ramadan.
They were apprehended in a raid by Hisbah officials in Tudun Murtala of Nassarawa Local Government and the Sharada area of Kano Municipal, where they were seen eating.
However, the arrested individuals denied committed the crimes charged, claiming that they had legitimate motives.