The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shi’ite group, has accused security agencies of concealing the bodies of its members allegedly killed during a confrontation with security operatives in Abuja. The clash occurred on Friday during a procession marking International Quds Day.
According to the group, six of its members lost their lives, while 380 others, including women and children, were arrested by the police. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the IMN’s Resource Forum, led by Professor Abdullahi Danladi, claimed that security forces were withholding the corpses of those killed.
“The police might have said they arrested 19 of our members, but reliable information confirms that the Guard Brigade and the police have arrested 380 protesters, including women and children. Six people were confirmed martyred,” Danladi stated.
He identified some of the deceased as Shaheed Ibraheem Dalhat (Sharif Albani), Shaheed Nasir Abubakar, Shaheed Abdulaziz Abubakar, and Shaheed Auwal Abbas Bichi. He further alleged that security forces were keeping the bodies in undisclosed locations.
In a statement, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, countered the claims, accusing the Shi’ite members of instigating the violence by attacking security operatives with weapons such as firearms, cutlasses, catapults, sticks, stones, and petrol bombs.
Adeh reported that two security personnel sustained severe injuries during the altercation, and one officer was confirmed dead at the National Hospital. She disclosed that 19 suspects had been apprehended, while others fled.
“The Shi’ite group is proscribed; therefore, their activities are illegal. Members of this group are always armed and known for attacking security agents without provocation. This will no longer be tolerated,” Adeh asserted. She challenged the group to present proof of their alleged casualties.
IMN Dismisses Allegations, Calls for Justice
Dismissing the police’s claims, Danladi insisted that IMN members were unarmed and only acted in self-defense when security operatives confronted them. He argued that the movement had carried out peaceful activities for over 40 years and that violence only ensued when law enforcement intervened.
“They claim we were armed with dangerous weapons, but that is just a cover-up. Whenever we gather, we do so peacefully, and it is only when security agents attack us that casualties occur,” Danladi said.
He demanded the unconditional release of all detained members and called for the prosecution of those responsible for the deaths. Addressing the proscription of the movement, he stated that the group was still legally challenging its ban in court, arguing that no ban justified alleged extrajudicial killings.
Escalating Tensions and Security Concerns
The confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions between the IMN and Nigerian security forces. Authorities have maintained a strict stance on the group’s activities following its proscription, citing repeated clashes and security threats. However, IMN insists that its processions are peaceful and lawful.
As the situation unfolds, the call for transparency regarding the alleged casualties continues, with demands for accountability from security agencies. The IMN has vowed to keep the public informed as it seeks justice for its members.
