Kaduna govt orders arrest of Shi’ites’ spokesperson

The Kaduna State government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of Ibrahim Musa, who allegedly said he was a spokesperson of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ites group.



The government made an order declaring the group “an unlawful society,” from last Friday.

Meanwhile, the government said a violation of the order attracts a seven-year imprisonment or a fine or both, according to sections 97 (A) and 97 (B) of the Penal Code.

A statement by Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s media aide Samuel Aruwan said: “Few hours after commencement of the order, Ibrahim Musa admitted his membership of the unlawful society and identified himself as its spokesman in widely publicised statements.

“This is deemed as a deliberate and determined affront to order, and the law has to take its course.”

According to the statement, the commissioner of Police has been directed to ensure the arrest to enable prompt prosecution by the Kaduna State attorney general and commissioner of Justice.

The statement reads: “Security agencies in the state have been directed to vigorously enforce the law, and they have demonstrated a clear resolve by arresting Ibrahim Musa, who is further advised to report himself to the nearest police station or any of the security agencies.

“The government cannot allow the laws to be wantonly tested and confronted by any one or group who might have the mistaken belief that they are above the law.

“The government, hereby, reiterates that it fully respects the freedom of religion and other rights as guaranteed by sections 38 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution. The same Constitution imposes an obligation on the government to secure the state and protect every citizen against infringement of their rights by others.

“Drawing on powers vested by Section 45 (1) of the Constitution, and Section 97 (A) of the Penal Code, the governor signed an order declaring IMN an unlawful society in the interest of public order and to protect the rights and freedoms of all persons in Kaduna State.”