Thursday, 28th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search

Police alert Kaduna residents as El-Zakzaky’s trial resumes

By Saxone Akhaine and Abdulganiyu Alabi, Kaduna
11 July 2018   |   4:11 am
The Kaduna Police Command has issued a security alert to residents as the trial of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) (also known as Shiites), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, resumes today at the State High Court.

Ibrahim El-Zakzaky

• No plan to cause security breach, movement insists
The Kaduna Police Command has issued a security alert to residents as the trial of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) (also known as Shiites), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, resumes today at the State High Court.

The force’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mukhtar Aliyu, yesterday cautioned the residents to avoid some roads that lead to the court where the arraignment is holding.

He said: “The Kaduna State Police Command wishes to notify the 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 among others so as to prevent miscreants from disturbing the peace of the state.

“Members of the public should note that the ban on all forms of processions and 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 attempts to violate the ban.

“In view of the court trial of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, the peace-loving and law-abiding people of Kaduna State are to note that adequate security has been put in place for a hitch-free court appearance.

“Therefore, the public is advised to remain calm and not to be apprehensive where they observe unusual number of security personnel in town.”

However, the Shiites have dismissed plans to disrupt peace and order within the metropolis.

They urged the public to disregard the news being peddled on the social media, alleging that the action was being perpetrated by “enemies of IMN.”

In a statement, the group’s spokesman, Mallam Ibrahim Musa, stated that the Islamic organisation remains peaceful and would continue to agitate for the release of its leader through legitimate means.

His words: “The Islamic Movement in Nigeria cautions the public about some false statements being circulated today (yesterday) among residents of Kaduna city that we are planning a big attack tomorrow (today) during the trial of our leader, Sheikh El-Zakzaky at the High Court.

“ One of the messages being circulated on WhatsApp reads, Security alert. Kindly avoid Magajin Garin and Kasuwa areas this Wednesday, July 11th. Zakzaky people are planning a big attack. Pass it on.”

He continued: “The Islamic Movement in Nigeria expressed shock and deep sadness over the false story. It’s a false flag message which we believe is being peddled by our detractors, security agents inclusive.”

0 Comments