A Nigerian state – home to over 20 million people – has banned shops from displaying mannequins, arguing they are “responsible for immoral thoughts” and going “against Islam”.

The authorities in Kano have banned shop owners across the northern Nigerian state from displaying mannequins, arguing they go against the teachings of Islam.

Sheikh Harun Ibn-Sina, who heads the Kano State Hisbah Corps, the religious police force responsible for the enforcement of Sharia, announced the bizarre prohibition in a statement on 30th June.

The statement read: “Hisbah prohibits the use of mannequins at shops, commercial and private residences and other public places. This violates Islamic provisions, it is also responsible for immoral thoughts among some members of the public, all these are against Islam.”

Kano State is one of 12 states in the 36-state West African country that is governed according to Islamic law. It has an estimated population of over 20 million, the majority of whom are Muslim.

Not only did Ibn-Sina argue that mannequins can provoke “immoral thoughts”, but he also implied they could encourage idolatry, which is considered a sin in Islam.

As if the prohibition was not eccentric enough, the statement went on to reveal that the ban only affects mannequins with heads.

The authorities said they will ensure the new ruling is adhered to by conducting impromptu raids and prosecuting individuals found to have contravened the ban, although it is unclear how.

Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited the state capital Kano on 3rd July where he exalted the city’s “legacy of tolerance and warmth”.