As the court trial of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky continues today at the Kaduna state High Court, the state police command has placed residents on security alert.
Police lost one of its operatives allegedly to the aggrieved members of IMN, also called Shi’ites on the day El-Zakzaky was last arraigned in the Kaduna court, though the allegation was vehemently denied by the group who accused the police and paid thugs of the breakdown of law and order.
But speaking yesterday in Kaduna, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mukhtar Aliyu, cautioned residents of Kaduna metropolis to avoid some roads that lead to the high court where the arraignment will take place, adding that movement will be restricted around the court.
Sheikh El-Zakzaky will be in the court to explain his role in the December 2015 bloody clash between his followers and men of the Nigerian Army that left scores dead in Zaria, Kaduna state.
According to the PPRO, “the Kaduna state Police Command wishes to notify the general public to exercise more security consciousness as they go about their daily chores and other lawful businesses by being extra vigilant of their environment, persons around them, activities of suspicious persons etc, to prevent miscreants disturbing the peace of the state.
“Members of the public should note that, the ban on all forms of processions /demonstrations in Kaduna state is still in force. The Police will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person or group of persons who deliberately attempt to violate the ban.
“In view of the court trial of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on Wednesday 11th July, 2018, the peace loving and law abiding people of Kaduna state is to note that adequate security has been put in place for hitch-free court appearance. Therefore, the public is advised to remain calm and not be apprehensive where they observe unusual number of security personnel in town.
“As part of the strategy put in place for a smooth process of the court trial, there will be traffic diversion in the following areas: Independence way, Bida Road, All roads leading to Ibrahim Taiwo Road.”
He, however, called on the public to report suspicious activities or persons around them to the nearest security agency, as well as call Police emergency numbers: 07039675856 and 08075391105 in case of any distress or emergency.
