Only Shi’ites members are banned to hold procession, Muslims are exempted –Police

Nneka Nwogwugwu

The Police has said that Muslims in the country can observe Ashura procession, but members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also called Shi’ites, are banned from observing the day.

The police stated this in a statement through the Police spokesman, DSP Frank Mba on Tuesday, saying, “Following the deluge of enquiries concerning the ban on procession on the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), it has become absolutely imperative to clarify that the ban on processions is applicable to members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria only.’’

“Against this backdrop, Muslims marking the commemoration of “Ashura” throughout the country along with other Muslims across the world are free to carry out the annual “Ashura” procession.

“They should, however, do so within the confines of the law and guard against infiltration by unscrupulous elements who may want to take advantage of the event to cause disruption of public peace, order and security.

“The IGP has directed all CPs & their respective supervisory AIG of Police in Commands and Zones to give full effect to the above clarifications and ensure that non-IMN Muslims are not in any way restricted from exercising their freedom of religion, worship and peaceful assembly.

“In the same vein, the IGP has enjoined members of the public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses as the Force is doing all within its capacity to ensure there is no breach of the peace, law and order anywhere in the country.”