Ban on procession, applicable to IMN members only; Non-IMN Muslims marking Ashura free to observe peaceful procession – Police

Ban on procession/applicable to IMN members only-Police

The Force headquarters has stated that the ban on procession it issued on Monday is meant for the Shiites Islamic Sect which operates under the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

It clarified that non IMN Muslims making the ‘Ashura’ procession with their counterparts all over the world were free to carry out their procession.

A statement by DCP Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer said, “Following the deluge of enquiries concerning the ban on procession on the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), it has become absolutely imperative to clarify that the ban on processions is applicable to members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria only.

“Against this backdrop, Muslims marking the commemoration of “Ashura” throughout the country along with other Muslims across the world are free to carry out the annual “Ashura” procession.

“They should however do so within the confines of the law and guard against infiltration by unscrupulous elements who may want to take advantage of the event to cause disruption of public peace, order and security.

“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has directed all Commissioners of Police and their respective supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in Commands and Zones to give full effect to the above clarifications and ensure that non-IMN Muslims are not in any way restricted from exercising their freedom of religion, worship and peaceful assembly.

“In the same vein, the IGP has enjoined members of the public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses as the Force is doing all within its capacity to ensure there is no breach of the peace, law and order anywhere in the country. ”

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