Kano Hisbah Renewed Crackdown on Betting Shops After Supreme Court Ruling

The Kano Hisbah Board, responsible for enforcing Islamic law in northern Nigeria, is set to intensify its crackdown on betting shops following a significant ruling by the Nigerian Supreme Court. On November 22, the court invalidated the 2005 National Lottery Act, which had legalized sports betting nationwide, affirming that gambling regulation falls under state jurisdiction. 

Abba Sufi, 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." This decision comes after previous raids last month, where dozens of betting shops were shut down due to concerns that they promoted gambling among youth. 

The Hisbah's operations had been halted following protests from the National Lottery Commission, which argued that the 2005 law allowed such activities under federal law. However, Sufi emphasized that the recent verdict clarifies the authority over gambling regulation in Nigeria: “With this verdict, the controversy on who should regulate betting between the federal and state governments has been settled." He further explained that rising economic hardship has led many to gamble in hopes of quick financial relief, which has raised alarms among parents about its impact on children.

Sydney Emeafu, president of the National Union of Gaming and Lottery Workers (NUGLOW) in Kano, noted there are approximately 200 betting shops in the city, where patrons often watch international sports while placing bets.