Police Prohibit Unlawful Gatherings in Kaduna

The Police Command in Kaduna State has announced a ban on all forms of unlawful gatherings by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), including its planned Ashura procession.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the ban. Hassan stated, “The command has banned every manner of illegal protest in the State.”

He explained that this decision follows intelligence reports indicating that the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shi’ite, is planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic Ashura day ceremony.

Hassan highlighted that past Ashura processions have been marked by significant violence, resulting in property damage, injuries, and 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,” he added.

The command warned that it would not hesitate to enforce the law on any person or group, especially the outlawed IMN members, who attempt to defy the ban. The Commissioner of Police for Kaduna State, Mr. Ali Dabigi, urged all law-abiding citizens to continue their activities without fear, emphasizing that the state’s hard-earned relative peace would not be compromised by the actions of a few ‘renegades’.