Kaduna State Police Command Releases 83 Suspects

The Kaduna state police command has released 83 suspects who were apprehended during the clash between members of the Shi’ites movement and soldiers of the Nigerian army.

Shi’ites staged a protest in Lafia, Nasarawa state, over El-Zakzaky’s detention.

Premium Times reports that among the released there are 34 children and 49 women.

The police had earlier arrested about 191 suspects for various offences such as obstruction of highways, possession of weapons and attacking security agents.

They were apprehended pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations which might lead to charges being filed at the State High Court or the Federal High court.

Meanwhile, Samuel Aruwan, the spokesperson for Governor Nasir El-Rufai, issued a statement informing people that adequate security measures would be put in place across Kaduna state ahead of Maulud, Christmas and New Year festivities.

The citizens were advised to be law-abiding and report to security agencies, traditional and religious leaders and the government any threat to peace and stability of the state.

Residents of Gyellesu in Zaria local government area of the state that fled their homes after the tragic incident that happened on December 12 were also encouraged to return to their homes.

Aruwan noted that security agencies have been permanently stationed in the community to provide adequate security for the residents of the area. He added that citizens, whose properties or belongings were abandoned on the streets, should retrieve them upon identification and proof of ownership.

Earlier this week, Solomon Arase, the Inspector-General of Police, revealed when and how Shi’ite Muslims in detention could be visited by their friends, relatives and lawyers.

According to him, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Shi’ites, can be visited at any time by observing necessary legitimate procedures.