Religious practices and their enforcement in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano, have increasingly raised concerns about fairness, justice, and the rights of minority groups. Despite being part of a secular Nigeria, Kano operates under Sharia law alongside constitutional laws, often creating a conflict that leads to human rights violations.
In Kano, the Hisbah Corps—a self-proclaimed moral enforcement group—has taken on the role of policing behaviors they deem contrary to Islamic tenets. These actions include destroying alcohol businesses, even when such businesses cater primarily to non-Muslims. This raises fundamental questions about religious freedom and economic rights in a pluralistic society.
For instance, Christians and other non-Muslims residing in Kano are affected, as their businesses and lifestyles face encroachments. The Quran explicitly states, “There is no compulsion in religion” (Quran 2:256), emphasizing individual choice in matters of faith. However, Hisbah’s actions suggest a direct contradiction to this teaching, as they compel compliance with Islamic tenets, even for those outside the faith.
During Ramadan, Hisbah often arrests non-Muslims for eating in public, a practice that contradicts Quranic teachings. Islam advocates patience, understanding, and personal conviction in religious practices. Compelling fasting or other religious observances undermines these principles and fosters resentment rather than faith.
The selective enforcement of Sharia law highlights the inequality in Nigeria’s justice system. Kano, along with other northern states, operates two parallel legal systems: Sharia law for Muslims and constitutional law for everyone else. This duality often results in oppressive policies targeting minorities while allowing others to act with impunity.
A striking example of this disparity is the handling of Deborah Emmanuel’s tragic case. Deborah, a student in Sokoto, was lynched by her schoolmates over allegations of blasphemy. Despite photographic evidence of her killers, no one has been prosecuted. On the other hand, Jato, a Christian woman in Bauchi, spent 19 months in prison for criticizing this atrocity. The silence of both state and federal governments is deafening and raises questions about the value of justice in Nigeria.
Recently, Kano authorities have extended their campaign to close betting shops, citing religious reasons. While gambling may conflict with Islamic beliefs, the closure disproportionately affects non-Muslims who operate or patronize these businesses. The result? Increased unemployment and economic hardship, particularly among marginalized communities.
Islam’s teachings about alcohol and fasting are clear and centered on personal choice. The Quran discourages alcohol consumption (Quran 5:90), yet it doesn’t mandate the destruction of alcohol or its trade. Similarly, fasting during Ramadan is an act of devotion between a believer and God, not a societal imposition. Enforcing these practices on others, especially non-Muslims, goes against the spirit of Islam.
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The situation in Kano and other parts of northern Nigeria reflects a broader challenge of balancing religious practices with constitutional freedoms. Cases like Jato’s imprisonment and Deborah Emmanuel’s unresolved murder highlight systemic biases that threaten national unity. The federal and state governments must act decisively to uphold justice, protect minority rights, and ensure that no group imposes its beliefs on others.
Nigeria’s diversity should be its strength. Respecting differences and fostering dialogue can pave the way for coexistence and peace. Without these efforts, the cycle of oppression and injustice will only deepen the divides.
