IGP Warns: Any procession by Shiite members amount to terrorism

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, has through its spokesperson, Ibrahim Musa insisted despite the Inspector General of Police's warning, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria would embark on today's Ashura procession in Abuja and in other cities. The IG

IG Adamu, who warned on Monday that anybody who joins any procession would be treated as a terrorist, reaffirmed that the IMN is outlawed. He however said that protest must be carried out in the Unity Fountain and not on the major streets of Abuja.

According to a statement by Force spokesman Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), the IG  directed all Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) to put measures in place to stop the procession across the country.

The statement reads: “It has come to the knowledge of the Nigeria Police Force that some members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) intend to embark on a nationwide procession, ostensibly to cause disruption of public peace, order and security in the country.

“The Force notes that in line with the Terrorism (Prevention) Proscription Order Notice 2019 of 26th July, 2019, the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have been proscribed. Consequently, all gathering or procession by the group remains ultimately illegal and will be treated as a gathering in the advancement of terrorism.

“To this end, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has directed the Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to put in place concrete measures to avert any planned procession and/or disruption of public peace by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, anywhere in the country.”

The IG also urged members of the public to avail the Force with useful information as regards the activities of the proscribed IMN.

He urged parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards not to be persuaded into embarking on illegal and ill-motivated activities by anyone or group of persons, under any guise whatsoever.