Group asks FG to impose nationwide ban on Zakzaky’s sect

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has urged the federal government to impose a nationwide ban on the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) led by Ibrahim Zakzaky.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Daniel Obaje, secretary-general of the organisation, described the ban on IMN by Kaduna state government as a welcome development.

He said given the alleged plans of the sect to undermine security, the ban could not have come at a more appropriate time.

“We urge the federal government to follow the example set in Kaduna state by immediately outlawing the IMN nationwide and to pursue criminal charges against anyone that continues to maintain the group,” he said.

“There have been previous concerns that remnants of the Boko Haram terror group are ditching their sectarian affiliation and joining IMN, the federal government should immediately mandate security  agencies to dismantle the IMN’s network, cells and infrastructure as a way of ensuring they are unable to resurface as a more deadly terror group.

“Those associated with the proscribed group should be kept under close security watch with a requirement that they are not allowed to travel abroad to countries where they could get advanced military training and further radicalisation.”

Obaje said there were indications that members of the sect were allegedly plotting to foment trouble in not just Kaduna, but across the country.

Reaffirming the belief of CATE in religious freedom, Obaje advised individuals to practice their faith without compromising the wellbeing of others.

He alleged that the IMN had consistently questioned the legitimacy of Nigeria to exist as a country.

“In this regard, the ban on IMN should extend to its subsidiaries and affiliate organizations founded on the same model and ideology,” he said.

“Further directives must be issued to security agencies with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) being in the lead of unravelling how much foreign funds come to the IMN and if they have link to international terror financing.

“We appeal to the judiciary not to overlook national interest in entertaining suits that IMN sympathizers would institute in their bid to overturn this ban.

“We urge government at all levels to identify and outlaw other extremists groups existing in the country. For this purpose, a database of such groups should be created and made public to discourage citizens from becoming members of, supporting or financing such groups.”