Shiites allege arrest of members, 3-month-old baby by police during birthday party

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, have cried out over the alleged arrest of some of its members including a nursing mother and her three-month old baby by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force during a birthday party in Abuja.

A spokesman for the group,
Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, who is under the leadership of Sayyid Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky, who made this known in a statement issued on Monday night, said that the Shiites members were arrested earlier in the day, during the birthday celebration of one of the daughters of Prophet Muhammad which was held in Abuja.

“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,” Mainasara said in the statement.

“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.

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“Those arrested are mostly women and minors, including a three-month-old baby.

“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.

“The security agents should note that the freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated.

“We call on relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected,” Mainasara said.

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