FCT Police Commissioner bans planned protest by Shi’ite Movement in Abuja

The Nigeria Police, Federal Capital Territory Command has warned against any form of procession by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly called Shi’ite.

A statement posted on the FCT Police Command’s X handle indicated that members of the Shi’ite Movement intend to celebrate the Islamic calendar day of Ashura in 2024 with a protest and parade. 

According to the police, the group has a history of using violence to end its processions, protests, and other events. 

The Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh the statement added has, therefore, outlawed their operations and directed that anyone found to violate the directive be taken into custody.

The statement read, “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. 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.”