Just In: Kano police warns against Shi’ites procession, orders arrest of defaulters

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has mobilized a special strike force from the State Police Command consisting of over 200 armed police officers, warning that it will not condone any form of procession, unlawful assembly or demonstration by any group in the state.

Iliyasu,  stated this in a press statement, signed by the Kano Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Abdullahi Haruna, he warned that anyone caught violating the order would be arrested and charged to court for prosecution.

The police force embarked on a motorised patrol of the city, as early as 6:00 a.m., to stop the procession as Shi’ites vow to mark its annual Ashura procession on Tuesday.

The commissioner of police also ordered a 24-hour patrol of the metropolis by a special strike force to ensure compliance with the ban on procession or demonstration.

According to the statement, ”Members of the public, civil society organisations, political parties, religious groups including Shi’ites, NGOs and other groups under whatever guise are warned to adhere to the suspension order until further notice.’’

“This is to assure lasting peace and unity in the State.

”Once again, whoever violates the law on the position of the command in maintaining peace, law and order, tranquility and well-being of the public and promoting unity among the people of the state will be dealt with in line, with the extant laws of the land/state.

”Any person or group of persons found to engage in any unlawful assembly or procession will be arrested and prosecuted in the Court of Law.”

The Police Command also banned all forms of rallies, demonstrations, processions or unlawful assemblies is still in place.