Police Officers in Kaduna State have arrested two Muslim clerics for conducting congregational prayers.

The state government took to their blog to announce the arrest, saying the clerics violated the strict quarantine measures.

Just two days ago, Kaduna State Government announced a 24-hour curfew which will last till further notice.

Residents within the state were ordered by the Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, during a state broadcast, to remain inside their homes from dusk to dawn as the state hopes to avoid a potential spread of COVID-19.

“Two clerics were arrested for conducting congregational prayers as KDSG warns against violating quarantine terms,” The government wrote in a statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, the state’s Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.

“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 Government then went on to thank the religious leaders urging their members to obey the strict laws and the media for propagating useful information faster.

However, they noted that some clerics still decided to flout the state directives.

“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,” the statement added.

The Government then went on to reiterate that anyone who violates the quarantine orders risks arrest and prosecution.

Meanwhile, the government plans to prosecute those clerics who violated the quarantine instructions.

At the moment, the state has not recorded any case of the novel coronavirus. However, they have clearly laid down strict measures to prevent a potential spread in the background.