Inspector General of Police Muhammed Adamu has said that members of the El-Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiites would be treated as terrorists following the proscription of the movement.
Addressing a meeting of senior police officers, Commissioners of Police and above, Monday at the Force Headquarters Abuja, Adamu said, “…Henceforth, any person engaged or associating, in any manner that could advance the activities of the proscribed IMN, shall be treated as a terrorist, enemy of the State, and subversive element and shall be brought to justice within the contest of the Terrorism Act.
“The import of this is that all forms of procession or protest by IMN is now illegal and this banned. The Police and other security agencies are fully committed to giving full effect to this judicial pronouncement in the interest of our internal security and national cohesion.
” In this regard, I wish to solicit the support of members of the public, specifically, in the provision of information that will aid in the identification of the locations of the IMN members and their mentors as well as in working with us in apprehending and bringing them to justice.”
The police boss noted that, “The activities of the IMN led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has over time evolved to constitute a grave threat to national security, law, and order, socio-religious harmony, peace, good governance, and the sovereign integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The members of the IMN have engaged in extreme radicalism, series of terror-related activities, violence and other unlawful activities which are inimical to the national security interest, good governance, and the corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“…Activities of IMN constitute glaring defiance and/or rebellion against the a Nigerian state, calculated efforts to plunge the nation into an ethno-religious war, intimidation of citizens and security agents, disrespect for Nigerian laws and authority of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.
“Their activities also clearly and consistently negate Section 1(2)(A)&(B) of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) 2013 and Sectin 2(1)(A)(B)(C) of the Terrorism of the (Prevention Amendment) Act of 2013 and hence justify their proscription in overriding national security interest.”
Speaking further he said:”…For purpose of clarification, Nigeria is a secular state with constitution provisions guaranteeing the freedom of practice our faiths. Tjis, however, must be exercised in a manner that will not threaten our national security.
“Hence, it is to be emphasised that while all adherents of the Shiites sect in Nigeria remain free to continue to practice their faith and shall be guaranteed adequate security to so do as the Judicial Order does not stop them, the El-Zakzaky-led Shiites IMN which does not recognise nor accept the Constitution and government of the Federation is the sole organisation that has been classified as terrorist organisation and proscribed.”
The police boss, who said members of the movement would be arrested if they protest in any part of the country, disclosed that 63 members of the sect including seven female are in police custody.
