Tension as Police ban Abuja Shi’ite procession over security concerns

In a move likely to stoke tension, the Nigerian Police Force, on Tuesday, banned a planned procession by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shiites.

The procession was intended to commemorate Ashura, a holy day in the Shia Islamic calendar.

The FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, issued a statement citing intelligence reports that the procession “often result[s] in significant disturbances, leading to anarchy and chaos within the territory.” The statement further warned members of the IMN to “shelve their planned demonstrations” and threatened “every legal means necessary to halt or incapacitate anyone that dares violate the ban.”

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“According to the intelligence we have gathered, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shi’ite, are planning to hold a protest/procession to commemorate the 2024 Islamic calendar day of Ashura,” the statement reads.

“In the past, the group’s processions, protests, and other activities have ended violently.

“As a result, the Commissioner of Police has banned their activities and ordered the arrest of anyone who violates this order.”

The IMN has been a contentious group in Nigeria for years. The group’s leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky, has been detained by the government since 2015 following a deadly clash with security forces. The group maintains its innocence and has called for Zakzaky’s release.

This ban on the procession is likely to be met with disapproval by members of the IMN. It remains to be seen how the group will respond and whether the police will be able to maintain order if there are attempts to defy the ban.

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