Shi’ites Raise Alarm Over Alleged Arrest of Over 200 Members By Police

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shi’ites, has raised concerns over the alleged arrest of over 200 individuals during the birthday anniversary celebration of the daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammad in Abuja.

According to the group, the arrested individuals, which include nursing mothers, babies, and children, were detained by the police at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) facility in Abattoir, Abuja.

Briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja on behalf of the Islamic Movement, Dr Sabi’u Adamu said condemning the action and questioning whether the current administration was continuing the aggressive stance towards the movement, similar to that of the previous administration.

“On 23rd December 2024, the police arrested more than 200 celebrants of the birthday anniversary of the daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) in Abuja,” he said. “Nursing mothers, babies, children, and the underage were among those arrested and detained without a court order.”

Adamu expressed his concerns about the government’s stance, asking if it was continuing the policies of the former administration, which had been accused of targeting the Islamic Movement.

He emphasized that the movement was an ideology that could not be crushed or eliminated.

“The Islamic movement is here to stay,” Adamu asserted. “It is our religion, an ideology, and a concept. It cannot be crushed or eliminated!”

He further criticized the government, urging President Bola Tinubu to make a clear statement about whether his administration would continue what he termed the “atrocities.”

Adamu also recalled previous incidents involving the security forces. He pointed to attacks on the Islamic Movement’s activities, including the August 2024 attack on Arba’een Symbolic trekkers in Abuja, which left several people dead.

He highlighted various instances of police violence against the movement, including the removal of hijabs from Muslim women arrested during the 2024 Abuja Arba’een trek, and assaults on schools and hospitals connected to the group.

“The police continue to persecute innocent members of our community, destroying property and detaining people unlawfully,” he said. “This government must answer for these continuous attacks against Muslims and Islam.”

The Islamic Movement continues to demand justice and accountability, asserting that such actions are an attack on the rights of Muslims to freely practice their religion.