The Nigeria Police said the ban on procession is only applicable to the members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria only.
The force in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Frank Mba, on Tuesday, however added that non-IMN Muslims marking Ashura are free to observe peaceful procession.
According to Mba, the clarification becomes necessary following the deluge of enquiries concerning the ban on procession on the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).
The statement reads in part: “Muslims marking the commemoration of “Ashura” throughout the country along with other Muslims across the world are free to carry out the annual “Ashura” procession. They should however do so within the confines of the law and guard against infiltration by unscrupulous elements who may want to take advantage of the event to cause disruption of public peace, order and security”.
Mr Mba added that the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has directed all Commissioners of Police and their respective supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in Commands and Zones to give full effect to the above clarifications and ensure that non-IMN Muslims are not in any way restricted from exercising their freedom of religion, worship and peaceful assembly.
