The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite group, has accused the police of concealing the bodies of its members allegedly killed during a violent clash on Friday. The group claims six of its members were killed and 380, including women and children, were arrested during their procession in Abuja, okay.ng reports.
The clash occurred during an International Quds Day procession, with police stating that IMN members attacked security operatives with various weapons, resulting in two injured and one dead officer. However, the IMN disputes this account, alleging that security forces are hiding the bodies of their deceased members.
Prof. Abdullahi Danladi, leading the IMN’s Resource Forum, told journalists that “reliable information confirmed that the Guard Brigade and the police have arrested 380 protesters, including women and children, and six people were confirmed martyred.” He named several of the deceased and stated that the arrested individuals are being detained at SARS Abbator and Guzape.
Danladi dismissed police claims that IMN members were armed, stating that their gatherings are peaceful unless attacked by security forces. “We don’t kill or injure security operatives. In fact, it is not in our character rather we fight for their rights and that of the citizens,” he said.
The IMN is demanding the unconditional release of its arrested members and the prosecution of those responsible for the deaths. They also argue that the group’s proscription does not justify extrajudicial killings.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh refuted the IMN’s claims, challenging them to provide proof of the alleged deaths. She reiterated that the IMN is a proscribed group and that their members frequently attack security agents without provocation, which she said would no longer be tolerated.
