Islamic police in Nigeria arrested a man who wanted to auction himself off to escape poverty, local authorities were told Wednesday (October 27th). The 26-year-old tailor Aliyu Idris was arrested on Tuesday by the morality police in Kano after photos were posted on social media showing him with a placard stating that he was up for auction at a starting price of 20 million naira (around 42,000 euros).
Kano, in the north of the country, is one of a dozen Nigerian states with a Muslim majority where Sharia law is applied alongside Nigerian law, derived from the Common Law of the former British settler. “We arrested him for putting himself up for sale, which is illegal under Islamic law”said Lawal Ibrahim Fagge, a spokesperson for the religious police. “He is in police custody”, he added, explaining this “Abject act” by the poverty and ignorance of the young man. No prosecution has been brought against him, according to Mr. Fagge.
Aliyu Idris walked around town last week with his placard around his neck. After being photographed by locals, he caused a sensation on social networks. He had explained to reporters that he was selling himself to escape his “Unbearable poverty” and that he wanted to give half the money to his parents, as well as 2 million naira to the person who would organize the auction. He also promised to be “A loyal servant” to whoever would buy it.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and containment measures, which have hurt the global price of crude oil. Faced with its second recession in five years after the start of the pandemic, Nigeria’s economy has started to regain some color in recent months. But inflation, especially in food, remains very high, exacerbating the poverty of many residents, most of whom live on less than $ 2 a day.
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