Shiites Outraged Over Police Hijab Removal: Nationwide Protests Erupt
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as the Shiites, has condemned what they claim was the forced removal of Hijabs from Muslim women by police officers in Abuja. They view this incident as a serious breach of religious rights and blasphemy.
Maryam Sani, representing the Sisters Forum of the Islamic Movement, reported that the incident involved Muslim women in detention who were allegedly compelled to remove their Hijabs, which are a fundamental aspect of their religious attire.
The group has criticized this act as a violation of both religious freedom and cultural respect, pledging to publicize the issue and seek legal recourse.
The controversy gained traction following a viral video, approximately one minute and twenty-one seconds long, which surfaced on social media. The footage, reportedly filmed at the FCT Police Command, depicts police officers removing Hijabs from detained Muslim women.
According to Sani, the women were arrested during the 2024 Abuja Arba’een Symbolic Trek. The statement added:
“Our attention has been drawn to images of those arrested during the 2024 Abuja Arba’een Symbolic Trek, who were paraded by police on August 28, 2024, at the SARS Abbatoir. These images showed the women without their Hijabs.
“Hijab is a divine commandment from Allah, as stated in the Qur’an: ‘O Prophet! Say to your wives, your daughters, and the women of the believers that they should let down upon themselves their jalabib.’ (Qur’an: Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 59).
“This act is a significant insult to our religion and culture, and we view it as a serious violation. The police leadership is aware of the importance of Hijab to Muslims and appears to have acted with deliberate disregard.”
The movement also expressed disbelief that the perpetrators, if non-Muslims, could have been unaware of the importance of religious and cultural respect.
In response, the Islamic Movement organized protests across various Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Zaria, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jos, Katsina, Kebbi, and Niger. The Abuja protest began at Banex Juma’at Mosque following Friday prayers and concluded at Banex Junction. Participants in other cities joined in, emphasizing that Hijab is a right not limited to Shiite women alone.
