Governor Nasir El-Rufai led Kaduna State Government has announced the arrest of two clerics for flouting government directives on Coronavirus pandemic.
Here is the official statement on the arrest…
KADUNA UPDATE: Two clerics arrested for conducting congregational prayers as KDSG warns against violating quarantine terms
The Kaduna State Government wishes to commend citizens that are abiding by the terms of the quarantine imposed on the state as a preventive measure against Covid-19. The state government is especially grateful to religious and community leaders who have joined in appealing to the public to abide by public health warnings. We thank the media for amplifying the message of prevention and the security agencies that are enforcing the extraordinary preventive measures.
However, government has also sadly noted that certain individuals, including clerics, are violating the restriction of movement, large gatherings, trading and congregational prayers. This is patently illegal and irresponsible conduct at a time that requires sober and rational conduct to protect our people from coronavirus.
Therefore, the state government has arrested two clerics for conducting congregational prayers on Friday, 27th March 2020, in two communities. Malam Aminu Umar Usman and Malam Umar Shangel were arrested in Malali and Ungwan Kanawa communities of Kaduna North Local Government Area for holding congregational prayers. Their conduct violated government orders as well as advice given by leaders of faith.
They will be prosecuted accordingly.
Government wishes to reiterate that it expects compliance with the quarantine orders and will continue to enforce them. Anyone who decides to jeopardise their prestige and social standing by wanton violation of orders made to protect public welfare and good health can expect a firm response. It should be clear that the inconvenience associated with the preventive measures, while regretted, are nothing compared to the suffering and deaths that coronavirus will cause if it is allowed to get here and spread.
The security agencies will enforce government orders and uphold the 24 hour curfew, until further notice. Those who seek to defy the directives stand the risk of arrest and prosecution.
Signed
Samuel Aruwan
Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs
Saturday, 28th March 2020.
