Members of the Islamic Movement, also known as the Shiites, on Monday, accused men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force of arresting their members in Abuja after the just-concluded birthday celebration of the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara disclosed this in a statement on behalf of the Islamic Movement under the leadership of his Eminence Sayyid Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H) in Abuja.
The statement is titled: “Again, Police Arrest Participants of Birthday Celebration in Abuja.”
It reads: “Following the just-concluded birthday celebration of the daughter of Prophet Muhammad SAWW today in Abuja, we wish to draw the attention of the general public that FCT Police has arrested activists of the Islamic Movement.
“There was no form of provocation from the participants warranting the arrest.
“In fact, they were preparing to leave the venue for their respective destinations.
“Those arrested are mostly women and minors, including a 3 month old infant.
“This incident is the latest in a series of similar events, where security forces have been abusing their power by targeting innocent civilians who are exercising their legal rights.
“As at the time of writing this article, we could not confirm the exact number of those arrested; however, from the information we reliably obtained from eyewitnesses, the figure is around 200 people or thereabouts.
“Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.”
Mainasara called on relevant authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.
“The security agents should note that the freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated,” he concluded.
