Police Arrests 19 Shi’ites Members For Unlawful Procession In Abuja

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ite movement, has had 19 members arrested, according to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, for “unlawful procession”.

The federal high court’s decision regarding the passport of the IMN’s leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, prompted a demonstration by more than 400 IMN members, according to the police, from Federal High Court to Eagle Square, blocking roads.

According to SP Josephine Adeh, the command’s spokesperson, the demonstration started after the court denied El-Zakzaky’s request that the Department of State Services (DSS) release his and his wife’s passports.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that El-zakzaky failed to prove that the DSS took the passports away, after his return from India.

The police spokesperson who revealed that the IMN members threw stones and other dangerous objects at the police officers during their protest, said they were dispersed by security operatives who also arrested some of them. 

The FCT Command assured residents of its commitment to security, safety, and peace within the capital territory, adding that no untoward incident was recorded as observation and monitoring continued.