9 Muslims arrested after being caught eating food during Ramadan fast

The arrests occurred on the second day of Ramadan, which began on February 17, 2026. Hisbah officers conducted intensive patrols and searches in restaurants, cafes, and bustling markets to enforce compliance with fasting rules among Muslims. The detained individuals—seven men and two women—were caught eating in public or open settings, violating the religious obligation to abstain from food, drink, and other acts from dawn until sunset.

The suspects reportedly claimed they were unaware that Ramadan had started, according to Hisbah's Deputy Commander General Mujahid Aminudeen. He stated that the group would be held for educational purposes, where authorities plan to instruct them on the significance of fasting, proper prayer, Quran recitation, and full adherence to Sharia law to help them become better Muslims. No formal criminal charges were detailed in reports, and similar past incidents in Kano—such as the arrest of 11 people in 2024—often ended with release after promises of compliance and family oversight rather than harsh penalties.

This enforcement highlights the strict application of Sharia principles in Kano under Hisbah, which annually ramps up monitoring during Ramadan to uphold the holy month's core practices. While fasting is a fundamental pillar of Islam observed by millions worldwide, regional variations in enforcement can lead to such interventions in areas governed by Islamic law. The incident has drawn attention amid the ongoing holy month, with no immediate reports of widespread public backlash mentioned.