By Umar Salam.
The Kaduna State Police Command has beefed up security ahead of tomorrow’s ruling by the State High Court, determining the bail application of the detained leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
The Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Yakubu Sabo, reiterated in a statement released today that all forms of demonstrations in the state were prohibited, adding that adequate security has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free court appearance.
DSP Sabo urged residents to be security conscious as they go about their lawful businesses.
He also enjoined them to report suspicious activities or persons around them to the nearest security agency or police emergency numbers given by the state command.
“The Kaduna State Police Command wishes to notify the general public to exercise more security consciousness as they go about their lawful businesses by being extra vigilant of their environment, persons around them, and activities of suspicious persons, so as to prevent miscreants from disturbing the peace of the state.
“Members of the public should note that the ban on all forms of processions/demonstrations in Kaduna State is still in force. The Police will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person or group of persons who deliberately attempt to violate the ban.
“In view of the court trial of Mallam Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on Monday, 5th August, 2019, the peace-loving and law-abiding people of Kaduna State are to note that adequate security has been put in place for a hitch-free court appearance.
“Therefore, members of the public are advised to remain calm and not to be apprehensive where they observe unusual number of security personnel in town.
“As part of the strategy put in place for a smooth process of the court trial, there will be traffic diversion in the following areas during the court session: Independence way, Bida Road and all other roads leading to Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna.
“The Command uses this medium to call on the general public to report suspicious activities or persons around them to the nearest security agency.
“In this regard, Police Emergency Numbers: 07039675856 and 08075391105 can be reached in case of any distress/emergency”, Sabo stated.
Recall that Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, had on July 29, fixed August 5, for ruling on El-Zakzaky’s bail request to travel alongside his wife, Zeenat, to India for medical treatment.