Earlier this year, members of IMN and the Nigerian Army clashed in Zaria when a demonstration was being held on a road along which the chief of army staff wanted to pass. Both sides were unable to negotiate an amicable solution, so the army ended up opening fire on the Shiite movement, killing dozens of its members.
Since them, the relationship between the IMN and the government has gone downhill as the Shiite leader Sheikh Yaqub Zakyzaky has been arrested and faces prosecution. His supporters have held numerous demonstrations calling for the release of their leader, claiming that his incarceration is an abuse of human rights.
However, the government has refused to budge and on Friday October 7, an order declaring the IMN as an unlawful society in Kaduna State went into effect. Kaduna State government spokesman Samuel Aruwan, said the violation of this order attracts a 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, however, Ibrahim Musa admitted to membership of IMN and identified himself as its spokesman in widely publicised statements. According to Mr Aruwan, this is deemed as a deliberate and determined affront to the order, and the law has to take its course.
Mr Aruwan said: "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."
He added, however, that the same constitution imposes an obligation on the government to secure the state and protect every citizen against infringement of their rights by others. According to Mr Aruwan, 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.
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