Shi’ites Accuse Security Forces of Disrupting Religious Gathering in Abuja

By Bayero Ade

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shi’ites, has accused security agencies of forcefully disrupting its Nisfu Sha’aban religious gathering in Abuja.

According to Afripost, The event, held annually to commemorate the birth of Imam Mahdi (AF)—a revered descendant of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA)—is widely observed across the Muslim world. The IMN, led by Sayyid Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, had organized the gathering as part of its religious activities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Professor Abdullahi Danladi of the IMN’s Resource Forum revealed that all necessary arrangements had been made for the event, scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2025. However, shortly after it began, security personnel reportedly arrived in a convoy of about 50 trucks, surrounding the venue.

Danladi alleged that officers from the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies harassed attendees and ordered them to disperse immediately, warning that force would be used if they refused. He claimed that the presence of security operatives created fear among the unarmed participants.

Authorities reportedly defended their actions, citing the lack of official permission from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police as justification for the intervention. However, Danladi dismissed this claim, arguing that court rulings had previously affirmed that peaceful gatherings do not require prior approval from law enforcement.

Condemning the disruption, the IMN stated that the incident caused psychological distress and financial losses for those who had traveled from various locations to attend.

The group has now called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security chiefs to put an end to what it describes as the unlawful suppression of its religious activities. It also demanded accountability for those responsible for the disruption and vowed to continue exercising its constitutional right to religious gatherings, despite alleged intimidation tactics.