Nigeria: Kano state moves to ban mannequin heads on Islamic grounds

The Islamic police force in Kano, a Muslim-majority state in Nigeria, has ordered shops to use headless mannequins to advertise clothing.

During an interview with the BBC, Haruna Ibn-Sina, the commander of the Islamic Police (also known as The Hisbah) said that the ban is necessary because Islam frowns on idolatry and that the mannequin with the head on makes it look like a human being.

Ibn-Sina also stated that, the mannequins are to be covered at all times because showing “the shape of the breast, the shape of the bottom, is contrary to the teachings of Sharia law”.

However, traders at Sabon Gari, a Christian-dominated part of Kano State have expressed their displeasure at the ruling, citing, displaying clothes on headless and covered mannequins will reduce its attractiveness to potential customers and in the long run, affect their income.