IMN remains proscribed, says IGP

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has warned members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites, against embarking on any form of procession in the country, saying the group remained proscribed.

The warning comes following information in public domain that members of the group are planning a nationwide procession.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said “all gathering or procession by the group remains ultimately illegal and will be treated as a gathering in the advancement of terrorism.”

The statement read: “It has come to the knowledge of the Nigeria Police Force that some members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) intend to embark on a nationwide procession, ostensibly to cause disruption of public peace, order and security in the Country.

“The Force notes that in line with the Terrorism (Prevention) Proscription Order Notice 2019 of 26th July, 2019, the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have been proscribed.

“Consequently, all gathering or procession by the group remains ultimately illegal and will be treated as a gathering in the advancement of terrorism.

“To this end, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has directed the Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to put in place concrete measures to avert any planned procession and/or disruption of public peace by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, anywhere in the country.

“The IGP also enjoins the public to avail the Force with useful information as regards the activities of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

“In addition, the IGP has also advised parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards not to be cajoled into embarking on illegal and ill-motivated activities by anyone or group of persons, under any guise whatsoever.”