The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has presented 94 members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), commonly referred to as Shi’ites, who were arrested following a violent clash with security operatives in Abuja on Sunday. In an earlier statement by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police confirmed the arrest of 97 Shi’ite members in connection with the incident, which resulted in the deaths of two policemen and left three others critically injured.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahi, a senior leader within the IMN, voiced his grave concerns over what he described as persistent human rights abuses by the police. The group has raised alarms that those detained after the recent Arba’een Trek in Abuja have been denied access to legal counsel and visits from their families.
Sheikh Abdullahi revealed that many IMN members were taken into custody during the Arba’een Trek, an annual religious observance. He further alleged that on Monday, police officers attacked a private primary school near Airport Road, causing extensive damage to property and arresting innocent individuals.
The IMN also condemned the police’s actions at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada, FCT, on August 27, where it was alleged that patients were arrested and detained by the authorities.
On Friday, during a parade of suspects at the FCT Police Command headquarters in Abuja, the Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, provided updates on the ongoing investigations. The suspects, among them young men, women, and even infants, were being questioned, with plans to charge them to court once investigations are completed.
Commissioner Igweh recounted the events, stating, “On 25/08/2024, at approximately 11:30 AM, six police officers from various divisions, stationed at Wuse market junction, were suddenly and brutally attacked by members of the proscribed group known as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites.”
He continued, “The assailants, armed with Dane-guns, machetes, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and stones, left the officers severely injured. They were rushed to Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, where ASP Innocent Agabi and Inspector Alex Odeh were tragically pronounced dead. Four other officers remain in critical condition. Additionally, the sect members set fire to three patrol vehicles and caused significant damage to another.”
Currently, 94 individuals associated with this violent attack are in police custody, with ongoing interrogations expected to lead to their prosecution.
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