The police claimed that several protests carried out by the sect members had resulted in many disturbances, leading to anarchy and chaos within the capital territory.
The Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command, has called on the members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as "Shi'ites" to have a rethink and shelve the proposed protest and procession to mark the 2024 Islamic calendar day of Ashura.
The police claimed that several protests carried out by the sect members had resulted in many disturbances, leading to anarchy and chaos within the capital territory.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the police Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh on Monday in Abuja.
The statement called on the individuals and members of the religious organisation to refrain from or shun any intended form of protest or procession in the nation's capital.
The police said it would not hesitate to use every legal means necessary to halt or incapacitate anyone that dares violate the ban by the police.
The statement read “The FCT Police Command hereby issues a stern warning against any form of intended protest or procession by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), in the Federal Capital Territory, as intelligence has It that the proscribed organisation also known as Shi'ite are planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic calendar day of Ashura.
“Antecedents have shown that such activities, carried out by the IMN members, often result in significant disturbances, leading to anarchy and chaos within the capital territory.
“The command therefore urges any individual or member of the proscribed organisation to refrain from or shun any intended form of protest or procession in the Nation's Capital, as the command will not hesitate to use every legal means necessary to to halt or incapacitate anyone that dares violate the ban by the police.
“The command is committed to maintaining law and order and will take all necessary measures to prevent any activities that threaten the safety and well-being of the populace.
“The commissioner of police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, reaffirms the command's unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring public safety."