Police Arrest Shiites Members Including Three-Month-Old Baby During Birthday Event In Abuja
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of the Nigeria Police Force have reportedly arrested members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), more commonly known as Shiites, in Abuja.
Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara from the Islamic movement under the leadership of Sayyid Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky, made this known in a statement issued on Monday evening.
Mainasara said that the Shiites members were arrested on Monday at the just-concluded birthday celebration of the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Abuja.
Mainasara said, “There was no form of provocation from the participants warranting the arrest. In fact, they were preparing to leave the venue for their respective destinations.”
According to Mainasara, those arrested are mostly women and minors, including a three-month-old baby.
“This incident is the latest in a series of similar events, where security forces have been abusing their power by targeting innocent civilians who are exercising their legal rights.
“As at the time of writing this article, we could not confirm the exact number of those arrested; however, from the information we reliably obtained from eyewitnesses, the figure is around 200 people or thereabouts. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.
“We call on relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.
“The security agents should note that the freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated,” Mainasara said.
