STRICT Islamic Sharia law banning consumption of alcohol, prostitution, stealing, gambling and other vices came into force on Sunday in Kano, northern Nigeria’s largest state. Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso said the bill would apply only to Muslims. He appealed to state residents to abide by it, warning that those who took laws into their own hands would be punished. However, brothels and beer halls continued to operate freely. – AFP