Police uphold protest ban in Kaduna as El-Zakzaky appears in court

As the trial of the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) Ibrahim El-Zakzaky holds in Kaduna on Wednesday, November 7, the state police command has reiterated its stance of barring protest by individuals and groups from holding in the state.

Scores of IMN members also known as Shiites were allegedly killed and injured during a protest for the release of El-Zakzaky in Abuja on Monday, October 29.

But, the Kaduna police has warned that the ban on all forms of demonstration or processions is still in full force and called on Kaduna residents to beware of their movement.

“In view of the Court Trial of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on Wednesday, 7th November 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,” Kaduna Police spokesman DSP Yakubu Abubakar Sabo said in a statement.

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

The police urged members of the public not to participate in any form of demonstration, as defaulters would be punished.

“Members of the public should note that the ban on all forms of processions/demonstrations in Kaduna State is still in force. Noting, the Police will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person or group of persons who deliberately attempts to violate the ban.”

“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 during the court session: Independence way, Bida Road and All other roads leading to Ibrahim Taiwo Road Kaduna.”

“The general public has been urged 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, and activities of suspicious persons, so as to prevent miscreants from disturbing the peace of the State”.

The command called on the general public to report suspicious activities or persons around them to the nearest security agency via the Police Emergency Numbers: 07039675856 and 08075391105.