TheCable

The Kaduna government says it will prosecute two Islamic clerics for conducting congregational prayers in violation of the state’s public health measures.

The state had banned social and religious gatherings as a measure to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

In a tweet on Saturday, the state government said the clerics it would prosecute are Aminu Umar Usman and Umar Shangel.

“KADUNA UPDATE: Two clerics have been arrested for conducting congregational prayers in violation of Kaduna State public health preventive measures,” the tweet read.

“A KDSG statement said that Malam Aminu Umar Usman and Malam Umar Shangel will be prosecuted.”

KADUNA UPDATE: Two clerics have been arrested for conducting congregational prayers in violation of Kaduna State public health preventive measures. A KDSG statement said that Malam Aminu Umar Usman and Malam Umar Shangel will be prosecuted

— Governor Kaduna (@GovKaduna) March 28, 2020

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On Thursday, the state government invoked the quarantine act of 1926 and the Kaduna state public health law to impose a curfew in the state.

Hadiza Balarabe, deputy governor, had said the curfew was necessary because residents had ignored previous measures put in place by the government to curb the spread of the disease.

“From midnight of Thursday, 26th March 2020, all residents of Kaduna State must stay at home. No offices, businesses of any sort or places of worship are allowed to open,” Balarabe said.

“The only category of persons exempted are workers in essential services such as health workers, the fire service and security personnel.

“Churches and mosques will be shut, there will no congregational prayers or services either within these places of worship or outdoors.”