The Hisbah Board of Kano State in Nigeria has announced its intention to continue closing gambling shops following a recent court ruling.
On Friday, the Supreme Court of Nigeria overturned a 2005 law that had allowed for the establishment of the Gambling Authority and the legalization of sports gambling in the country.
The court’s decision grants state governments authority over gambling laws.
Dr. Abba Sufi, the director of the Hisbah Board in Kano State, stated that this ruling means their board will persist in raiding and shutting down gambling shops throughout the state, as such activities are prohibited under Islamic law.
He noted that many parents have expressed concerns about their children becoming involved in gambling, especially during a time of increased economic pressure and poverty in the community.
Kano State is one of the regions in Nigeria where Islamic law is applied alongside national law.
Last month, the Hisbah agency conducted raids that resulted in the closure of dozens of gambling establishments in Kano.
These operations were halted following a lawsuit by certain groups that argued gambling is not a crime under Nigerian law.
