The Islamic morality police, known as Hisbah, in Kano, Nigeria, has announced their intention to resume a crackdown on betting shops.
This decision follows a recent ruling by the Nigerian Supreme Court, which quashed a 2005 law that had established a national lottery commission and legalized sports betting and gambling. The court determined that the regulation of gambling should be a matter for state governments.
Kano State, one of 12 predominantly Muslim states in Nigeria where Islamic sharia law is enforced alongside federal law, has taken a firm stance against gambling.
Abba Sufi, the director general of the Kano Hisbah, stated, "We will resume our clampdown on betting shops with renewed determination since betting is illegal under Kano state sharia law." This move comes after previous raids on betting shops were halted due to protests from the National Lottery Commission, which argued that betting was legal under federal law.
The Hisbah's actions are driven by complaints from parents concerned about their children's involvement in gambling, particularly in football betting, which has been exacerbated by the harsh economic climate.
Sufi noted that there are approximately 200 betting shops in Kano, where patrons can watch international soccer matches and horse races while placing bets. The Hisbah's renewed efforts aim to curb what they see as a vice that contradicts Islamic principles.
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