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See the Numbers of Shi’ite Protesters Police Arrested During Pro-Palestine Demonstration in Abuja

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 30th, 2024.

See the Numbers of Shi’ite Protesters Police Arrested During Pro-Palestine Demonstration in Abuja

By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police command detained six members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, during a pro-Palestine protest in Abuja. Those arrested include Ishaq Haruna, Nura Attahir, Ali Muhammad, Abba Abdulkareem, and Abubakar Hamidu. They are being held at the SARS Police Detention Facility in Garki, Abuja.

Eyewitnesses reported that the police used force to disperse the protesters, who had gathered at the National Mosque in Abuja to express solidarity with Palestine.

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, led by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, issued a statement on Sunday condemning the arrests and demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees. The statement, signed by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, criticized the police for their actions, questioning whether the Nigerian Police are acting under foreign influence.

Sheikh Sokoto stated, “The police are meant to uphold law and order, yet they continue to arrest and detain those protesting in support of Palestine. This raises concerns about the influence of Israeli interests within the Nigerian Police, given their actions against peaceful protesters.”

He further condemned the arrests of Yahuza Haruna Masaka, Ishaq Haruna, Nura Attahir, Ali Muhammad, Abba Abdulkareem, and Abubakar Hamidu, demanding their release. He noted that the Nigerian government supports the establishment of a Palestinian state, with diplomatic representatives in both countries. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently affirmed that there is no justification for the violence in Palestine.

The statement called on the police to release the detained protesters and cease their support of Israeli interests. It also urged the Nigerian government to reaffirm its commitment to the Palestinian cause and prevent further police brutality and repression.