The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, has alleged mass arrests of its members, including over 60 minors, by the Nigerian security forces during the 2025 international Quds Day procession.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that on March 28, members of the Shiite sect clashed with security forces, leading to casualties on both ends.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the group’s legal representatives, Bala Dakum and Yushau Uthman, threatened to take legal action if the government failed to free all its members who are currently under detention.
“We are compelled to address you this evening due to the recent, avoidable but unfortunate and brutal attack on our clients – the Shi’ite Muslim faithful,” Mr Dakum said.
He recalled that, “Our clients came out on March 28, 2025 to commemorate their annual International Quds Day like their counterparts across the globe.
“While peacefully carrying out their procession in the Banex area, Wuse II, Abuja, in their thousands, they were unexpectedly confronted by a group of armed soldiers who, without any provocation, began firing live ammunition at them.
“As a result of this inhumane, callous, cruel, barbaric and horrific attack, about 26 persons lost their lives, over 30 sustained various degrees of life-threatening injuries, and around 274 were arrested by the soldiers.”
He said the detained individuals, including minors, were allegedly transferred to the now-defunct SARS facility in Abattoir, Garki.
“Our clients were later handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, who detained them at the now-defunct SARS facility in Abattoir, Garki, Abuja, under harsh and dehumanising conditions.
“Despite their dire conditions, they were coerced into writing or signing statements in police custody without legal representation, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
“Among those arrested and detained were over 60 minors, who have been kept in the same cells as individuals suspected of committing heinous crimes – a clear violation of both the ACJA 2015 and the Child Rights Act.”
He also condemned the continued withholding of corpses by the authorities. “The corpses are now being kept in undisclosed hospitals, which contravenes Islamic rites that require prompt and immediate burial.
“This is baffling, considering that the deceased cannot be investigated or tried.”
The legal team announced they would go to court over the corpses.
“As we’ve done in the past when our clients were killed and the police refused to release the bodies, we will again approach the court for redress.
“On multiple occasions, the court has ruled in our favour and ordered the release of the corpses.
“These individuals deserve immediate burial. They cannot be tried or investigated after death.
“They are Muslims – and everyone knows they are not supposed to be kept. They should have been buried immediately,” Mr Dakum stated.
