Dr Sabi’u Adamu, a member of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shiites, says the organization has the right to carry out its religious activities without any form of interference from security agencies.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, Adamu disclosed that the Islamic Movement had initiated a lawsuit against the Nigerian Police Force for disrupting its programs in the Federal Capital Territory.
“This is to inform the public that we have filed a N200 million lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Attorney General of the Federation for the disruption of our programmes in Abuja,” Adamu stated.
He explained that the legal action, filed on December 18, 2024, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1009/V/2024, was a response to repeated interference by security forces in their events.
Detailing one of the incidents, Adamu recounted that on Saturday, December 14, 2024, the group had planned to hold the 9th Anniversary of the 2015 Zaria massacre at Highpoint Events and Conference Hall in Garki, Abuja. The conference was set to begin at 9:30 am.
“Since before 7:00 am, the police of the FCT Command and the Department of State Services (DSS) barricaded the event center and began arresting participants. As a result, the conference could not take place, and many attendees remain unlawfully detained without any court order,” he said.
Adamu noted that this was not an isolated incident, citing another disruption on October 13, 2024, during a birthday celebration for Sayyid Ahmad Zakzaky, the late son of the group’s leader, Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky.
The event, held at Decency Events Centre, Wuse Zone 5, was cut short when security operatives locked the venue’s gates, arrested participants, and dispersed the gathering.
The late Sayyid Ahmad Zakzaky, born on October 13, 1990, was killed on July 25, 2014, during the Zaria Quds Day Massacre, where the Nigerian Army reportedly killed 35 adherents of the movement, including three sons of Sheikh Zakzaky.
Demands for Justice
Adamu revealed that the lawsuit includes demands for the court to:” Declare the police’s actions unlawful and a violation of their fundamental rights.
“Order the refund of N600,000 paid for the disrupted event at Decency Events Centre. Award N200 million in damages for the unlawful disruptions.
” Mandate a formal apology from the police, published in two national newspapers. Restrain the police and other security agencies from further interference with their activities.
The Islamic Movement emphasized its determination to continue organizing its religious and cultural events, including commemorations, celebrations, and seminars, in Abuja and across Nigeria.
“We remain committed to exercising our fundamental rights and will not be silenced,” Adamu declared, calling on the public to support the group’s pursuit of justice and protection of constitutional freedoms.
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