The police in Kaduna State have banned the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shi’ites, from organising any gatherings, including their planned Ashura procession.
The ban was announced by the state’s police spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, in a statement released on Sunday.
Mr. Hassan stated that the command has banned all forms of illegal protests in the state due to intelligence reports indicating that the IMN was planning a procession for the 2024 Ashura Day ceremony.
He noted that past rituals by this group have often resulted in severe violence, property destruction, injuries, and even fatalities.
Given this history, the police warned IMN members, who are already banned by law, to abandon their plans for the procession.
“This is coming on the heels of a received intelligence indicating that the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria also known as Shi’ite are planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic Ashura Day ceremony.
“It is an undeniable fact that the said ritual practice has in the recent past been characterised by unimaginable violence leading to the destruction of properties, injuries to persons and even loss of lives.
“It is against this backdrop that the Police command is warning the said sect members, who were since proscribed by law, to drop such a procession idea, “ Hassan said.
The spokesperson emphasised that the police would strictly enforce the ban and take legal action against anyone or any group, particularly IMN members, who attempt to defy it.
He reassured law-abiding citizens that they could continue their daily activities without fear, as the police are committed to maintaining the state’s peace and will not allow a few individuals to disrupt it.