Muslims have been warned by Islamic police in Nigeria's northern Kano state not to transgress religious laws during the holy month of Ramadan, including "eating in public."

According to local media, individuals who participate in social vices during the holy month will face punishment.

“Some of the youths who eat in public during the fasting period will not be spared either,” the commander-general of the board, Harun Ibn-Sina, was quoted as saying.

Mr. Ibn-Sina indicated that the board has sent officers to mosques to protect public safety during the Thursday-starting fast.

In the predominantly Muslim state of Kano, the Hisbah Board upholds Islamic law.