Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has ordered the arrest and
prosecution of the spokesperson of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria IMN
otherwise known as Shi’ites, Ibrahim Musa. This comes days after the
state government placed a ban on the activities of Shi’ites in the
state.
The order for the arrest and prosecution of Ibrahim Musa is contained in
a statement signed by the spokesperson of Governor El-Rufai, Samuel
Aruwan. Read after the cut…
The
Kaduna State Government has ordered the arrest and subsequent
prosecution of one Ibrahim Musa who has owned up to being the
spokesperson of an unlawful society, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria
(IMN). An order declaring the IMN as
an unlawful society in Kaduna State went into effect on Friday, 7th
October 2016. Violation of this order attracts penalty of imprisonment
for seven years or a fine or both, according to sections 97a and 97b of the Penal Code.
A
few hours after the commencement of the Order, the said Ibrahim Musa
admitted to membership of an unlawful society and identified himself as
its spokesman in widely publicized statements. This is deemed as a
deliberate and determined affront to the order, and the law has to take
its course.
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.
All
security agencies in the state have been directed to vigorously enforce
the law, and demonstrate clear resolve by arresting the said Ibrahim
Musa, who is further advised to report himself to the nearest police
station or any of the security agencies.
Government
cannot allow the laws of the state to be wantonly tested and confronted
by any one or group who might have the mistaken belief that they are
above the law.
The Kaduna State Government
wishes to reiterate that it fully respects freedom of religion and other
rights as guaranteed by Sections 38 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution.
The same Constitution imposes an obligation on 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 97a of the Penal Code, the
governor signed an order declaring the IMN as an unlawful society in the
interest of public order and to protect the rights and freedoms of all
persons in Kaduna State