The Sokoto state Government has banned the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, from staging any public procession in the state.
Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Barr. Sulaiman Usman (SAN) disclosed this in Sokoto, at a press conference, after a security meeting on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by some heads of security agencies which include the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the Civil Defence and Immigration in the state.
Usman said information reaching both the state government and security agencies indicated that the group is planning an unlawful procession which could cause public disorder and lawless.
Usman said in view of anticipated insecurity in the state, the ban order became necessary.
“There are ongoing activities of Shiite members in the state, that could cause public disorder. If care is not taken, the peace of the state may be breached by this group.
“We, hereby, place a ban on any public gathering in public places. Anybody that flouts this order will have him or herself to blame.”
The commissioner, however, called on the Islamic group to respect government’s order, adding that “under the Public Order Act, permission for any procession has to be sought, through the security agencies.
