The Non-Religious Community in Nigeria has condemned the arrest of nine citizens in Kano State for allegedly eating during an ongoing religious fast, describing the action as unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental human rights.
Islamic police in Kano arrested nine people for allegedly eating in public during fasting hours on the first day of Ramadan.
The arrest highlighted strict enforcement of Sharia law in the state despite Nigeria’s secular constitution.
The Kano State Hisbah Corps confirmed that its operatives apprehended the suspects on Wednesday after they were reportedly seen consuming food at midday, a direct violation of the Islamic fasting obligation observed from dawn to sunset.
Deputy Commander Mujahid Aminudeen told reporters that those arrested included seven men and two women.
Reacting to the development in a press statement, the Non-Religious Community in Nigeria said the arrests represent “a direct violation of freedom of conscience, freedom of belief, and the fundamental right of every Nigerian to personal autonomy over their own body,” as guaranteed under Sections 38 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The group stressed that Nigeria is a constitutional democratic republic and not a theocratic state, warning that no citizen should face arrest, harassment, or intimidation for choosing not to participate in a religious practice.
“Fasting is a personal religious obligation for those who believe in it. It is not, and must never become, a legal obligation enforced upon all citizens regardless of their faiths and personal convictions,” the statement read.
Citing Section 10 of the Constitution, which prohibits the adoption of any state religion, the group argued that Nigeria’s secular status must be respected by all authorities.
The group added that freedom of thought, conscience, and religion explicitly includes the right not to subscribe to any religion.
According to the group, the involvement of state-backed institutions in enforcing religious observance undermines the constitutional foundation of the country and fosters fear among citizens whose only “offence” is exercising their lawful freedoms.
The Non-Religious Community further expressed concern that such enforcement actions disproportionately affect ordinary citizens who may lack the influence or resources to challenge alleged abuses of power.
“This creates a dangerous environment where religious conformity is enforced not by persuasion, but by coercion,” the statement noted, adding that Nigeria belongs equally to both religious and non-religious citizens.
The group called for the immediate protection of the constitutional rights of all Nigerians, an end to arrests and harassment based solely on non-participation in religious activities, and a clear reaffirmation by authorities that the country remains a secular state governed by law.
“Freedom of religion must also mean freedom from religion. Anything less is not freedom,” the statement stressed.
Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous northern states, operates a dual legal system where Islamic Sharia law functions alongside the country’s conventional legal framework.
During Ramadan, Hisbah officials routinely patrol markets, eateries, and public spaces to ensure compliance with fasting rules among Muslims.
While some restaurants continue operations in areas largely inhabited by Christians and non-Muslims, observant Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking, or engaging in other acts that invalidate the fast between sunrise and sunset.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a fundamental religious duty.
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