Group urges police to check illegal protests

The Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone that goes out under the cover of any group, including the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) or its affiliates to protest in any part of the country.

The National President of the organisation, Mr. Torkuma Venatius, who made the call in Abuja at the weekend, said it was clear that such protests were for mischief and attempt to breach the peace across the country.

The movement had announced plans to protest in Abuja and other major cities, citing the expiration of a 14day ultimatum for the release of their detained leader, Sheik Ibraheem Al Zakyzaky, as their reason.

The planned protests have been largely overshadowed by an order of the Kaduna State government proscribing the movement which it accused of fomenting trouble even in the aftermath of a December 2015 clash with the military for which the proscribed group was indicted. Venatius said the failure of IMN to call off its protests after the decision of the state government signified a resolve to test the power of the state.

“We at ASJA therefore call on all Nigerians with conscience to condemn IMN’s planned breach of the peace without any equivocation. We therefore urge the federal government to direct security agencies, particularly the police to arrest, investigate and prosecute anyone caught planning to or taking part in the protests,” he said.