Islamic police in Nigeria arrest 11 Muslims caught eating during the Ramadan fast

Hisbah spokesman, Lawal Fagge stated that they arrested 10 men near the busy markets, and one groundnuts female vendor, who was caught eating from her wares following a tip from some onlookers.   

"We got 11 persons on Tuesday including a lady selling groundnuts who was seen eating from her wares, and some persons alerted us,"Fagge said. 

"The other 10 were men and were arrested across the city especially close to markets where a lot of activities happen."

The 11 accused were later absolved of their crimes after vowing to abstain from food or drink. Additionally, their families were requested to ensure they observe the fast. 

"For some of them, we had to see their relatives or guardians in order to have family monitor them,” he said.

Fagge further said that non-Muslims were exempted from the practice, affirming that they would be apprehended if they were found selling food to Muslims during the fast.

"We do not arrest non-Muslims because this does not concern them, and the only time they could be guilty of a crime is when we find out they cook food to sell to Muslims that are supposed to be fasting," Fagge added.

During the Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast daily from sunrise to sunset.  

The Ramadan that began on Monday 11, March is set to end on Tuesday 9, April.