Police ban Shi’ite procession in Abuja, vow to arrest violators

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has banned the procession of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria to commemorate the 2024 Islamic calendar day of Ashura in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The police said from past experiences, the group’s processions or protests ended violently, urging members of the sect to shelve their planned demonstrations across the FCT.

In a statement on Monday, the FCT police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, stated that the command would deploy every legal means to stop violators of the directive.

She said, “The FCT Police Command hereby issues a stern warning against any form of intended protest or procession by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory, as intelligence has It that the proscribed organisation also known as Shi’ite are planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic calendar day of Ashura.

“Antecedents have shown that such activities, carried out by the IMN members often result in significant disturbances, leading to anarchy and chaos within the capital territory.

“The command therefore urges any individual or member of the proscribed organisation to refrain from or shun any intended form of protest or procession in the Nation’s Capital, as the command will not hesitate to use every legal means necessary to to halt or incapacitate anyone that dares violate the ban by the police.”

Adeh stated that the command would stop at nothing to ensure that law and order are maintained in the FCT.

She said, “The command is committed to maintaining law and order and will take all necessary measures to prevent any activities that threaten the safety and well-being of the populace.

“The Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth C. Igweh, reaffirms the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring public safety.”

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