By Luka Binniyat

KADUNA—Barely three days after Governor Nasir El-Rufai declared the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, known as Nigerian Shiites illegal, he has called on Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to arrest and prosecute Ibrahim Musa, spokesman of the group.

Gov. Nasir-El-Rufai

A statement signed by spokesman of the governor, Mr. Samuel El-Rufai in Kaduna yesterday, said  Musa had publicly admitted being a member of Shiite, which El-Rufai had declared illegal and proscribed.

The statement read: “Kaduna State government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of one Ibrahim Musa who has owned up to being the spokesperson of an unlawful society, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

“An order declaring the IMN as an unlawful society in Kaduna State went into effect on Friday, October 7, 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.

“A few hours after  the commencement of the  Order,  the said Ibrahim  Musa  admitted to membership of an unlawful society and identified himself as its spokesman  in widely publicized statements.  This is deemed as a deliberate and determined affront to the order, and the law has to take its course.

“The Commissioner of Police  has been directed to ensure the arrest to enable prompt prosecution by 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.

“The same Constitution imposes an obligation on government to secure the state and protect every citizen against infringement of their rights by others.

“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.”