"FREE OUR LEADER SHEIKH ZAKZAKY"....Ignore False Reports of Any Attack..... IMN. The Ban of Unlawful Demonstrations/Processions Still In Force....Kaduna Police Command Warns

Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky 

Following a widely circulated report of plans by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly referred to as the Shi'ite sect, to stage a protest march whereby, residents were warned to stay away from the city metropolis, the group has come out to state that the group has never been engaged in violent protests.

The IMN has therefore, called on the general public to ignore the report, describing it as false.

The group described the news being spread by certain persons in the social media, that the IMN as allegedly planning to ‘attack’ Kaduna on 11th July, when the IMN Leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky will be arraigned before a High Court Judge in Kaduna State.

In a press release signed by the President of Media Forum of Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibrahim Musa and made available to media practitioners in the state, the group said;

“The Islamic Movement in Nigeria cautions the general public about some false statements being circulated (today Tuesday 10th July 2018) among residents of Kaduna city that we are planning a ‘big attack’ tomorrow during the trial of our leader, Sheikh Zakzaky at the high court". 

"One of the messages being circulated on WhatsApp reads: ‘Security alert. Kindly avoid Magajin garin and Kasuwa areas dis Wednesday 11th. D Zakzaky people are planning a big attack. Pass it on’”.

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

"We have never staged any attack on anybody throughout our 40 year history. Even at the last sitting, it was the security agents that attacked us and disturb public peace. We urge the public to disregard that devilish message and go about their businesses. We are peaceful as we have been for many years". Musa stated.

According to the President of the Media Forum, “The truth of the matter is we don’t even have any plan to stage a peaceful protest in Kaduna tomorrow. This clearly shows that the messages were mischievously concocted to damage the peaceful reputation we enjoy among the public”.

Concluding, the IMN reiterated that, “We are aware of attempts by the security operatives to turn our peaceful protests to violent ones by attacking us unconstitutionally". 

"We will, therefore, like to assure the public that our history speaks for us; we are always the victims of forceful aggression". 

"We, however, wish to caution our oppressors to abide by the constitutional demands of allowing peaceful assembly and protest of citizens wherever and whenever". 

"We have never killed, maimed nor destroyed anybody’s property, and we will not start it now". 

"All that we are saying and will keep on saying is FREE OUR LEADER SHEIKH ZAKZAKKY.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has also come out with a statement cautioning the general public to exercise more security consciousness as they go about their daily chores.

The Police urged the people to go about their other lawful businesses by being extra vigilant of their environment, persons around them, activities of suspicious persons etc, so as to prevent miscreants disturbing the peace of the state.

In a statement issued and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Mukhtar, the Command cautioned that members of the public should note that, the ban on all forms of processions/demonstrations in Kaduna State is still in in force. 

Accordingly, "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", it assured. 

"Therefore, the public is advised to remain calm and not to 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", the statement read.

The Kaduna State Police Command therefore, called on the general public to report suspicious activities or persons around them to the nearest security agency. In this regard, Police Emergency Numbers: 07039675856 and 08075391105 can be reached in case of any distress/emergency.