The Kaduna State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of Ibrahim Musa, the spokesperson of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, which the government has declared as an illegal society.
The order was contained in a statement signed by Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media and publicity, Mr Samuel Aruwan.
The statement said the order declaring the IMN as an unlawful society in Kaduna State took effect from October7, 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,” the statement said.
According to the statement, a few hours
after the order declaring the Shiite group illegal was given, Ibrahim admitted
membership of an unlawful society and identified himself as its spokesman in
widely publicised statements.
“This is deemed as a deliberate and
determined affront to the order, and the law has to take its course,” the
statement read in part.
“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 had
been directed to vigorously enforce the law, and demonstrate clear resolve by
arresting the said Ibrahim Musa.
The statement added, “The Kaduna State
Government also 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 from 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.”
NAN
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