Proscribed Islamic Sect Shi’ites Defy Police Ban, Hold Procession In Abuja

Despite the Police ban on procession by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ites, the group defied the order and embarked on procession in major Districts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The police which placed ban two days ago based on security reasons, cited that from past experiences, the group’s processions or protests ended violently, and urged members of the sect to shelve their planned demonstrations across the FCT.

On Monday, the FCT police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, stated that the command would deploy every legal means to stop violators of the directive.

She said, “The FCT Police Command hereby issues a stern warning against any form of intended protest or procession by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory, as intelligence has It that the proscribed organisation also known as Shi’ite are planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic calendar day of Ashura.

“Antecedents have shown that such activities, carried out by the IMN members often result in significant disturbances, leading to anarchy and chaos within the capital territory.

“The command therefore urges any individual or member of the proscribed organisation to refrain from or shun any intended form of protest or procession in the Nation’s Capital, as the command will not hesitate to use every legal means necessary to to halt or incapacitate anyone that dares violate the ban by the police.”

In defiance of Police ban, however, the Shiites embarked on procession in Abuja on Wednesday to mark Ashura Day.

The procession which kicked started from Wuse Market around 11:00am on Wednesday, terminated at Berger roundabout despite warning by the Nigerian police against the Islamic group not to hold the rally.

Professor Dauda Nalado, in a statement on behalf of the Islamic Movement under the leadership of Sayyid Ibraheem Yaqoub El-Zakzaky (H), said the Shiites are channelling the Ashura grief into resistance against the alleged injustice being perpetuated against the people of Palestine.