The Hisbah, Kano State’s Islamic morality police, has announced its intention to intensify its crackdown on betting shops following a recent Supreme Court decision on gambling regulation in Nigeria. This ruling overturned the 2005 National Lottery Act, which had legalized sports betting and gambling under federal law, declaring instead that the regulation of gambling is solely the responsibility of state governments.
Kano State operates under Islamic Sharia law alongside federal law and prohibits gambling in all forms. 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.”
The announcement follows a temporary halt in raids last month after protests from the National Lottery Commission, which argued that federal law permitted betting under the 2005 Act. The Supreme Court’s verdict now provides clarity, affirming the states’ authority to regulate gambling within their jurisdictions.
Growing Concerns Over Gambling
Sufi highlighted widespread concerns among parents and community leaders about the influence of gambling on youth, particularly in football betting. According to Sufi, “The harsh economic climate is pushing more people into this football gambling, hoping to make easy money and becoming hooked to the vice.”
Kano has around 200 betting shops where customers place bets on soccer matches and horse races, often drawing large crowds. Sydney Emeafu, the head of the National Union of Gaming and Lottery Workers (NUGLOW) in Kano, has confirmed the presence of these establishments but faces increasing challenges in light of the state’s stance against gambling.
Implications of the Supreme Court Ruling
The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the gambling industry in Nigeria, particularly in states governed by Sharia law. It also underscores the tension between federal and state laws on contentious issues such as gambling, reflecting broader challenges in Nigeria’s multi-tiered legal system.
The Hisbah’s renewed campaign will likely ignite debates on the socio-economic impact of gambling and the role of religious morality in governance.
