The Islamic police, known as the Hisbah, were said to have searched cafes, restaurants and markets during the first day of the fasting period to ensure Muslims are adhering to the fasting hours.
Hisbah’s Deputy Commander General, Mujahid Aminudeen, told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Thursday, February 19, that the nine detained – seven males and two females – feigned ignorance that Ramadan had begun.
“We have arrested them and they are with us where we are going to be teaching them the importance of fasting, how to pray, read the Quran and become better Muslims,” he said.
It is not clear when the Hisbah plans to free them. In similar cases in the past, officers have got in touch with the families of those detained to make sure there is proper monitoring after their release so that they fast to the end of the month.
Just over two decades ago, Sharia was introduced alongside secular law in 12 of Nigeria’s northern states that all have a majority Muslim population.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and has a special significance in Islam.
Every year, Ramadan is expected to last between 29 or 30 days. In Nigeria, fasting started on Wednesday 18 February and it is predicted to end on either 21 or 22 March.
