Court orders IMN members to obey Sokoto State laws

The Federal High Court in Sokoto has ordered members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise called Shi’ites, to always obey existing Sokoto State laws in observing religious activities in the state.

The group had sued the Sokoto State Government and six others over alleged breach of their fundamental human rights.

They sought N50 million compensation from the respondents for the pains its members allegedly suffered from their unlawful acts.

In his judgement yesterday, the presiding judge, Justice Saleh Idrissa averred that the police had statutory obligations to protect lives and properties while IMN as group or individuals also had the right and freedom to practice their religion provided that they would not jeopardize the right and freedom of others.

Justice Idrissa restrained the police from undue interference in the group’s activities or harassing their members.

He refused to grant their prayer for N50 million compensation from the defendants.

Reacting to the judgement, counsel to the applicants, Mr Alex Ajodo said they would study and decide on what to do next.

The counsel to I-G and Sokoto state Commissioner of Police, Mr Samai’la Lawal and counsel to Sokoto State Government, Mr Steve Emelieze also expressed gratitude to the court over the judgment.