Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shi’ites, have leveled serious accusations against Nigerian police forces, alleging that they were violently attacked during a recent Arbaeen procession in Abuja and again during a raid on a guest house in Suleja, Niger State.
The Shi’ite group claims that the peaceful Arbaeen procession, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, was marred by police intervention. Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, a spokesperson for the IMN, reported that police forces opened fire indiscriminately on participants of the procession, resulting in numerous deaths and hundreds of injuries. According to Mainasara, the procession was peaceful until the police appeared and began shooting without provocation.
Mainasara dismissed police assertions that IMN members initiated violence, calling these claims “false, fabricated, and misleading.” He stressed that the Shi’ites were unarmed and peaceful during the procession, and accused the police of attempting to justify further violence against the movement by making false statements.
The situation reportedly escalated further when police forces conducted a raid on a guest house in Suleja where IMN members were staying. Mainasara described the raid as unprovoked and violent, with police setting fire to a car, vandalizing facilities, and attempting to burn down the house. During the raid, which occurred on August 25, 2024, police allegedly fired indiscriminately, resulting in arrests and injuries.
The IMN spokesperson expressed grave concerns about the treatment of those arrested, fearing that they may be subjected to torture, and called for immediate medical attention for the injured. Mainasara condemned the police actions as illegal and unconstitutional, arguing that they infringe upon fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of expression.
The IMN has called on the relevant authorities to hold the security forces accountable for their actions and to ensure justice for the victims of the recent attacks.
The group has urged for a thorough investigation into the incidents and for measures to be put in place to prevent such violence in the future.
