As the global Muslim community entered the first 24 hours of the 2026 Ramadan fast, the Kano State Hisbah Board launched an intensive “monitoring operation” across restaurants, markets, and public hubs. By the end of Wednesday, February 18, nine individuals—comprising seven men and two women—were in custody for violating the mandatory daylight fast.
1. The Arrest: Markets and “Feigned Ignorance”
The arrests were carried out following tip-offs from local residents who were “outraged” to see able-bodied Muslims consuming food while the rest of the community abstained.
The Location: Most suspects were apprehended near busy markets and city centers where economic activity remains high during the day.
The Defense: According to Hisbah’s Deputy Commander General, Mujahid Aminudeen, those detained claimed they were unaware that Ramadan had officially begun.
The Response: The Commander dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the start of the fast was a widely publicized national event announced by the Sultan of Sokoto.
2. “Reformative” over Punitive Action
Unlike previous years where some offenders faced immediate Sharia court trials and fines, the 2026 approach appears focused on religious education.
The “Curriculum”: The nine detainees are currently being held at Hisbah headquarters. Aminudeen stated the police would “teach them the importance of fasting, how to pray, and how to read the Quran” to help them become “better Muslims.”
The Release Protocol: In past occurrences (such as the 11 arrests in 2024), suspects were released only after swearing an oath to complete the fast and having their families or guardians sign a monitoring agreement.
The Legal Landscape: Sharia and Secularism
Kano is one of 12 states in northern Nigeria that operates under Sharia law alongside secular law.
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Target Audience: The Hisbah Board has repeatedly clarified that their enforcement operations do not target non-Muslims.
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The Exception: Non-Muslim eatery owners are generally permitted to stay open, though they are warned not to sell food to Muslims during the fasting window (dawn to sunset).
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Public Sanctions: The arrests are part of a broader mandate to “uphold the sanctity” of the holy month and maintain public morality according to Islamic tenets.
4. Why This Matters in 2026
With the coincidence of Lent and Ramadan in 2026, religious sensitivities are at an all-time high. The Hisbah’s rapid response is seen as a move to prevent “public scandal” and ensure that the discipline of the month is respected by the majority-Muslim population of Kano.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Discipline
While the “ignorance” defense of the nine detainees may seem unlikely in a digital age, their detention serves as a stark reminder of the social and legal weight of Ramadan in Northern Nigeria. For the Hisbah, the goal isn’t just to catch “sinners,” but to enforce a collective rhythm of piety that defines the region.
