The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as the Shi’ites, has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army for the immediate release of its detained members. The group has warned that it will resort to legal measures if its demands are not met. Among those detained, the Shi’ites claim there are over 60 minors being held under conditions they describe as inhumane and dehumanizing.
This call comes in the wake of a violent clash between members of the Islamic Movement and security forces during a peaceful procession to mark International Quds Day on March 28, 2025. The procession, which took place in Abuja’s Banex area, turned tragic when armed soldiers reportedly opened fire on the group without provocation. According to Bala Dakum, one of the lawyers representing the Shi’ites, at least 26 members of the group were killed in the confrontation, while over 30 others sustained life-threatening injuries. Furthermore, 274 individuals were arrested during the incident.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Dakum and his colleague Yushau Uthman expressed their dismay over what they termed an “inhumane and barbaric attack” on peaceful demonstrators. Dakum emphasized that legal action remains the only viable recourse for the group, as violence is not an option. He stated, “We cannot resort to violence; we must follow due legal process by approaching the courts. However, we hope that reason prevails and they are released as soon as possible especially the injured and the children among them, though ultimately, we seek the release of all those detained.”
The legal team also disclosed troubling details about the treatment of those arrested. They alleged that detainees were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force and held at a now-defunct SARS facility in Abattoir, Garki, Abuja. The conditions of detention were described as harsh and degrading, with detainees reportedly being coerced into signing statements without legal representation a direct violation of Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. The lawyers further highlighted that minors were being held alongside adults suspected of serious crimes, which contravenes both the ACJA and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act.
Adding to their grievances, Dakum revealed that despite repeated appeals from families and legal representatives, police authorities have refused to release the bodies of those allegedly killed during the clash. He noted that these corpses are being kept in undisclosed hospitals instead of being promptly buried according to Islamic rites. “This is baffling, considering that the deceased cannot be investigated or tried,” Dakum remarked with frustration.
The Shi’ites maintain that their procession was peaceful and aligned with similar commemorations held globally for International Quds Day a day observed annually to express solidarity with Palestinians against Israeli occupation. They insist that their members were unjustly targeted by armed soldiers in what they describe as an unprovoked attack.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights advocates who are urging authorities to investigate claims of excessive force and ensure accountability for any violations committed against peaceful protesters. For now, however, the Shi’ites remain resolute in their demand for justice and have vowed to pursue all legal avenues to secure freedom for their detained members while seeking redress for lives lost during the tragic clash.
