- Kano State, which operates under a dual legal system incorporating both federal and Islamic sharia law, has long prohibited gambling, deeming it illegal under the principles of sharia
In a significant move, the Islamic morality police in Nigeria’s Kano State have pledged to intensify their efforts in shutting down betting shops.
This decision comes on the heels of a landmark ruling by the Nigerian Supreme Court, which quashed a 2005 law that legalized sports betting and gambling.
The court’s decision declared that regulation of gambling falls under the jurisdiction of state governments. Kano State, which operates under a dual legal system incorporating both federal and Islamic sharia law, has long prohibited gambling, deeming it illegal under the principles of sharia.
The Kano Hisbah Board, tasked with enforcing sharia law, has confirmed plans to resume raids on betting establishments across the city. Abba Sufi, Director General of the Kano Hisbah, stated that the board will resume its clampdown on betting shops with renewed determination.
According to Sydney Emeafu, president of the National Union of Gaming and Lottery Workers (NUGLOW) in Kano, there are approximately 200 betting shops across the city. These shops have been a source of concern for parents, who fear that their children are being drawn into gambling through their passion for football.
The Kano State government’s crackdown on betting shops is seen as a response to these concerns. Sufi noted that the difficult economic situation in the country is driving more people towards football betting as a way to make quick money, but many end up trapped in this vice.