The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ites, has issued a strong demand for the immediate release of its 274 detained members, including more than 60 minors, following a violent confrontation with security forces during its International Quds Day procession in Abuja on March 28.
At a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, IMN’s legal team, represented by Barristers Bala Dakum and Yushau Uthman, condemned the detention as “unlawful and inhumane” and announced the group’s intention to take legal action against the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army if their members are not freed.
“This is the only option available to us. We cannot resort to violence; we must follow due legal process by approaching the courts,” Dakum said. He emphasized the group’s deep concern over the conditions of the detainees, particularly those who are injured and the minors being held.
According to the legal representatives, the detainees have been subjected to dehumanizing conditions at the now-defunct SARS facility in Abattoir, Garki, Abuja. They alleged that many were coerced into signing statements without legal representation, a violation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The group also accused the Nigerian military of opening fire on their members “without provocation” during a peaceful procession in the Banex area of Wuse II. Dakum claimed the attack left at least 26 people dead and over 30 others critically injured.
“Our clients came out on March 28, 2025, to commemorate their annual International Quds Day like their counterparts across the globe,” Dakum said. “They were unexpectedly confronted by a group of armed soldiers who, without any provocation, began firing live ammunition at them.”
The legal team further criticized the continued detention of minors, many of whom are reportedly being held alongside suspects accused of serious crimes—a clear breach of both the Child Rights Act and the ACJA 2015.
Adding to their grievances, the IMN accused security agencies of withholding the bodies of those allegedly killed in the clash, preventing families from conducting Islamic burials. “The corpses are now being kept in undisclosed hospitals, which contravenes Islamic rites that require prompt and immediate burial,” Dakum stated.
As of the time of this report, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Nigerian Police had issued an official response to the allegations.
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