Back codeine ban with law, punish culprits - Islamic group urges FG- An Islamic group, the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) has urged the federal government to give a legal backing to the ban of codeine - The JNI also said that the presidency should also establish a law that metes punishment to anyone caught consuming the substance - The secretary general of JNI, Khalid Aliyu, said that drug abuse has often been the problem of northern youths Following the recent ban on the importation of cough syrups with codeine, the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) on Tuesday, May 8, called on the federal government to enact laws that back its action. The secretary general of JNI, Khalid Aliyu, made the call during an interview with newsmen after the pre-Ramadhan meeting held in Kaduna, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. READ ALSO: Everyone involved in this must be brought to book - Angry Saraki speaks on Senate invasion Aliyu said: “We thank God that the federal government has banned codeine, but there should be a law backing it that will punish culprits found dealing with codeine.” He said that drug abuse has been the problem of northern youth as most of them abused codeine and other cough syrup. Aliyu called on scholars to take advantage of the preaching sessions during Ramadhan to enlighten the public on the dangers of drug abuse. He also urged scholars not to resort to politicking while delivering sermon and urged them to preach against hate speech. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! The federal government had banned the production and importation of cough syrup containing codeine on May 1. Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state had urged the federal government to ban the sale of syrup in the country because they are not lifesaving medicines. Tambuwal made the call at a workshop on addiction and prevention held at the Sultan Maccido Institute of Quran and General Studies, Sokoto on Monday, March 19. Suspected cocaine/cannabis traffickers reject Police accusations | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - An Islamic group, the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) has urged the federal government to give a legal backing to the ban of codeine - The JNI also said that the presidency should also establish a law that metes punishment to anyone caught consuming the substance - The secretary general of JNI, Khalid Aliyu, said that drug abuse has often been the problem of northern youths READ ALSO: PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng