The Kaduna police command has announced a ban on all forms of unlawful gatherings by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), including its planned Ashura procession.

In a statement issued by Mansir Hassan, the spokesperson for the command declared that the police will enforce the ban strictly and warned that the full weight of the law will be applied to anyone or any group that violates this directive.

The statement read; “The command has banned every manner of illegal protest in the state.

“This is coming on the heels of a received intelligence indicating that the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria also known as Shi’ite are planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic Ashura day ceremony.

“It is an undeniable fact that the said ritual practice has in the recent past been characterised by unimaginable violence leading to the destruction of properties, injuries to persons and even loss of lives.

“It is against this backdrop that the Police command is warning the said sect members, who were since proscribed by law, to drop such a procession idea.”