The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ia sect, says it is “illegitimate” for the Kaduna state government to declare the group illegal and order the arrest of Ibrahim Musa, its spokesman.
The state government had declared the group illegal and consequently banned it on Friday, citing sections in the state laws.
But, in a statement on Monday, Musa said in effecting the ban of the group’s activities, unwarranted arrests were being made on its members by the police.
“The Kaduna state government has today gone ahead to trample on the rights of people who were taking part in their religious duty in Kaduna state in scandalous violation of all known sane laws,” the statement read.
“We will like to make it clear, for the avoidance of doubts, that Ashura mourning events and symbolic treks are our religious duties and cannot be banned without trampling on our rights to worship, associate and propagate our beliefs freely.
“We wish to make it categorically clear that we condemn these acts of state-sponsored terror tactics against the IMN in the strongest of terms. We re-echo our total opposition to Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s impunity, misuse of office and disregard to our constitutionally guaranteed rights. We will continue to lawfully and peacefully challenge and seek redress in the most appropriate ways in the face of all these extreme provocation.”
The Shi’ites further reiterated their call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ibraheem Zakzaky, its leader and all others still being detained.
