The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (Shi’ites) has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to release its detained members, saying it will take a legal action against if they are not released.

According to the group, no fewer than 60 minors are part of its members being detained by the army.

On March 28, 2025, members of the Islamic group, while on a peaceful procession to mark International Quds Day, clashed with the military.

No fewer than six persons were killed in the clash while several others were injured.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Shi’ites’ legal team, led by Bala Dakum and Yushau Uthman, the group said if the demand for the release of its members is not met, legal steps would be taken against the government.

Dakum said, “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.

Dakum claimed that around 26 people were shot dead by security operatives during the procession.

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 had 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.


https://punchng.com/shiites-demand-release-of-detained-members/