THE Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has clarified that the ban on procession placed by the Force is only binding on members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

“Following the deluge of enquiries concerning the ban on procession on the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), it has become absolutely imperative to clarify that the ban on processions is applicable to members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria only, ” the police chief said in a series of tweets  on Tuesday.

The police on Monday declared that all gathering and procession by members of the proscribed IMN were illegal following information that the movement was planning a procession to mark the annual Ashura, the 10th day of Muharam which is the first month of Islamic calendar.

The IGP said all other Muslims are free to carry out the annual “Ashura” procession in line with their faith, he however warned that they should do so within the confines of the law.

“Against this backdrop, 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,” he said.

He also urged them to guard against infiltration by “unscrupulous elements” who may want to take advantage of the event to cause disruption of public peace, order and security.

Adamu 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.

This was as he enjoined members of the public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses, noting that the Force is doing all within its capacity to ensure there is no breach of the peace, law and order anywhere in the country.