Kano Hisbah Board Plans Crackdown on Betting Shops
The Kano State Hisbah Board has announced its intent to shut down betting shops and arrest individuals involved in gambling activities, citing the illegality of betting under the state’s Sharia law. This follows a Supreme Court decision affirming state governments’ authority to regulate gambling, sparking mixed reactions across the region.
Supreme Court Ruling Shifts Regulatory Power
Last week, Nigeria’s Supreme Court overturned the 2005 National Lottery Act, which had established federal oversight of gambling and legalized sports betting nationwide. The ruling handed regulatory control of the gambling industry to state governments, marking a pivotal change in the sector’s governance.
In Kano State, where Sharia law operates alongside federal laws, the Hisbah Board has vowed to enforce a strict clampdown on betting shops. Speaking on the matter, Dr. Abba Sufi, Director-General of the Hisbah Board, emphasized: “We will resume our clampdown on betting shops with renewed determination since betting is illegal under Kano State Sharia law.”
Dr. Sufi further noted that the Supreme Court’s decision resolves longstanding disputes over the legislative authority between federal and state governments regarding lottery and gambling regulation.
Broader Implications for Gambling in Nigeria
The court’s verdict has reignited debates over the balance between federal and state laws in regulating industries like gambling. In states like Kano, the ruling reinforces the power of Sharia law in shaping policy, while in other regions, it may lead to varying approaches to gambling regulation.
The Hisbah Board’s strict stance reflects a broader tension between cultural and legal frameworks in Nigeria, as the country navigates the intersection of diverse laws and societal values.
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