IMN Accuses Military of Shooting Peaceful Protesters, Demands Release of Members
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ites, has accused the Nigerian Army of firing live ammunition at its members during a peaceful procession in Abuja, resulting in multiple casualties and arrests.
The group is now demanding the immediate release of its detained members and has threatened legal action against the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, IMN’s legal representatives, Bala Dakum and Yushau Uthman, condemned the “unlawful and inhumane” detention of over 274 members of the movement, including more than 60 minors. The arrests followed a deadly clash during the annual International Quds Day procession in the Banex area of Wuse II on March 28, 2025.
“Our clients came out on March 28, 2025, to commemorate their annual International Quds Day like their counterparts across the globe. While peacefully carrying out their procession in Abuja, they were unexpectedly confronted by a group of armed soldiers who, without any provocation, began firing live ammunition at them,” Dakum alleged.
According to Dakum, the attack left at least 26 people dead, more than 30 others with life-threatening injuries, and 274 arrested.
He added that the group is particularly worried about the well-being of those still in detention, especially the injured and minors.
“We hope that reason prevails and they are released as soon as possible, especially the injured and the children among them. Ultimately, we seek the release of all those detained,” he said.
The legal team further criticized the Nigerian Police for detaining the arrested members at the now-defunct SARS facility in Abattoir, Garki, Abuja, under what they described as “harsh and dehumanizing” conditions.
“Despite their dire conditions, they were coerced into writing or signing statements in police custody without legal representation, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015,” Dakum revealed.
He also expressed concern over the treatment of the minors, saying they are being held in the same cells as suspects of serious crimes.
“This is a clear violation of both the ACJA 2015 and the Child Rights Act,” Dakum said.
The group also accused security agencies of withholding the bodies of members allegedly killed during the incident, preventing families from conducting proper Islamic burials.
“The corpses are now being kept in undisclosed hospitals, which contravenes Islamic rites that require prompt and immediate burial,” Dakum stated. “This is baffling, considering that the deceased cannot be investigated or tried.”
Vowing to take legal steps if their demands are not met, Dakum emphasized the IMN’s commitment to peaceful legal redress.
“This is the only option available to us. We cannot resort to violence; we must follow due legal process by approaching the courts,” he said.
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