Pro‑Iran Shi’ite Protests Hit Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Bauchi

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), widely known as Shi’ites, staged pro‑Iran demonstrations on Friday at the Abuja National Mosque, joining similar protests in Lagos, Kaduna, and Bauchi.

The protesters attended the regular Jumat prayers before launching their demonstration within the mosque premises. Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd began chanting “Allahu Akbar” shortly after prayers and quickly swelled to about 200 participants.

Protesters condemned Israel and the United States while voicing support for Iran, repeatedly chanting slogans including “shame to America,” “shame to Israel,” and “we support Iran.”

Similar demonstrations were reported at the Idimota Central Mosque in Lagos and on streets in Kaduna and Bauchi, reflecting a nationwide wave of protests by the group.

The rallies come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent military strikes reportedly conducted jointly by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets. Last week, the IMN staged protests across several states—including Lagos, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna—over the alleged killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and members of his family.

During the demonstrations, protesters waved Iranian flags, displayed portraits of Khamenei, and carried placards denouncing the United States and Israel while expressing solidarity with Iran.

Observers noted that the IMN, which represents a minority of Nigeria’s Muslim population, has maintained a pattern of public demonstrations in response to international developments affecting Shia communities.