The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, commonly referred to as the Shi’ites group, has urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to release their detained members, which includes at least 60 minors who are reportedly being held, or they will pursue legal action.
Naija News reports that this appeal was made during a press conference on Friday, April 4, by the Shi’ites’ legal representatives, Bala Dakum and Yushau Uthman, in light of a recent alleged assault on their members in Abuja.
It is important to note that on March 28, 2025, members of the Islamic group were reportedly attacked by Nigerian Army personnel while participating in a procession to commemorate International Quds Day.
In response to inquiries regarding the next steps if the security forces do not comply with their request for the release of the detained individuals, Dakum stated that if their demand, including the release of the minors, is not fulfilled, they will take legal measures.
“This is the only option available to us. We cannot resort to violence; we must follow due legal process by approaching the courts.
“However, we hope that reason prevails and they are released as soon as possible – especially the injured and the children among them, though ultimately, we seek the release of all those detained,” he stated.
Addressing the incident that took place on the day of the alleged attack, Dakum asserted that at least 26 people were shot dead by security operatives during the procession.
“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.
“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,” Dakum said.
Speaking further he said, “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.”
The lawyer also noted that despite repeated appeals, the police have yet to release the bodies of those allegedly killed by the soldiers.
“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,” he added.
Addressing the issue of the deceased members whose corpses are allegedly being withheld in hospitals, the legal team said they would also challenge this in court if the authorities failed to release them for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
“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,” he added.
