In Nigeria’s troubled north, a bustling nightlife lives with a morality police and insecurity

Sokoto, Nigeria (AP) — Despite its reputation as the "seat of the caliphate," a bustling nightlife thrives in one of northern Nigeria's most conservative states. Thriving despite being in a state known for its strict religious codes and morality police, a nightclub in Sokoto is a hub of activity for partygoers seeking to escape the daily grind.

The local Islamic police, known as the Hisbah force, is tasked with enforcing Shariah and local laws like dress codes, haircuts, and alcohol bans. However, this does not deter partygoers from enjoying themselves. Vincent Tabat, a frequent reveler, joined the throng of sweaty men and women streaming into the nightclub, which is one of a handful along a street in the city.

The DJ prepared his set, and attendants arranged bottles of expensive liquor on tables as the strobe lights and Afrobeats filled the air. "This is nearly 2 a.m., and as you can see, everyone is outside to have fun," Tabat said, dancing with female companions as he portioned out drinks into emptying cups on the table. Despite the challenges posed by insecurity and the attempts of the morality police to enforce strict religious codes, partygoers in Sokoto say they are living their lives as they please.

Benjamin Danjuma, another frequent visitor to the clubs and bars in the city, sees no difference between the nightlife in Sokoto and that in more liberal parts of southern Nigeria. "We are living our life more than anybody's expectation in this state," he said. "There is so much groove going on. We are not left behind."