Written By Lisa Murimi
Islamic police in Kano, Nigeria, have launched a crackdown on sports betting shops, citing their illegality under Sharia law.
The Hisbah, Kano’s Sharia police, began the raids after receiving complaints from community leaders and parents concerned about rising gambling addiction.
Deputy Chief of Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, stated that 30 betting shops in one suburb were closed on the first day of the raids.
The owners were warned and sent home.
“Betting is forbidden in Islam,” Aminudeen told the BBC, adding that future violations would lead to arrests.
Kano, a predominantly Muslim state, operates under both Islamic and secular law.
While Christian neighborhoods in Kano can house bookmakers and bars, the current crackdown is focused on Muslim areas, where the Hisbah is particularly vigilant.
Sports betting, fueled by Nigeria’s economic challenges, has become increasingly popular, with many gamblers hoping for a quick financial win.
Aminudeen expressed concern about the impact on society, noting that children were reportedly dropping out of school to gamble.
The Hisbah’s focus is on shops that have been operating under false pretenses, having registered as video game centers.
Aminudeen warned that the crackdown would continue, urging illegal operators to close down or face Sharia court.
