Godsent Ogbebor
Security Forces Disrupt Shi’a Religious Gathering in Abuja
Security operatives disrupted a Shi’a Muslim religious gathering in Abuja, sparking tension among residents.
The incident took place during the Maulud celebration, an important religious event marking the birthday of Imam Mahdi.
The gathering, organized by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) under the leadership of Sayyid Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, was being held at the Nigeria Airforce Investments Limited venue in the capital.
Shortly after the program began, a convoy of around 50 trucks carrying heavily armed personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services (DSS) arrived at the scene.
The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Magawata, resulted in the location being cordoned off.
Security forces ordered attendees to disperse, claiming the event lacked proper authorization from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police.
However, the Shi’ites refuted this claim, arguing that legal precedents affirm their right to peaceful assembly without prior police approval.
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Prof. Abdullahi Danladi, Coordinator of the IMN Resource Forum, criticized the security forces’ actions, calling them a violation of religious and civil rights.
He demanded accountability from President Bola Tinubu’s administration and urged an end to what he described as harassment of Shi’a Muslims.
The group vowed to continue their religious activities despite the alleged intimidation and called for legal action against those responsible for disrupting their gathering.