The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of the Nigeria Police Force paraded members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, on Wednesday, August 28, over their alleged involvement in a violent confrontation with security operatives in Abuja on Sunday,August 25.
The suspects, including young men, women, and even infants, were arrested for being involved in the clash that claimed the lives of three police officers.
Parading the suspects before newsmen, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, said;
‘’Six Police personnel drafted from various divisions and posted to Wuse market junction came under sudden and unprovoked attack by members of the proscribed sect called “Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN)” AKA Shiite.
The six (6) police officers, who were attacked by the suspects wielding dane-guns, machetes, IEDs and stones, were rushed to Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital where ASP Innocent Agabi and Inspector Alex Odeh were confirmed dead by medical doctors on duty while four (4) other officers are on admission and in critical condition.”
Ugweh said members of the Sect also set ablaze three (3) patrol vehicles and damaged one other. He said so far, ninety-four (94) members of the proscribed sect linked to the heinous attack are in custody.
‘’Interrogations are ongoing and suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.’‘ Igweh said.
The shiite members have, however, denied the police allegations. Abdullahi Musa, leader of the IMN procession in Abuja, said that police officers in plain clothes had opened fire on their unarmed members during a religious procession commemorating Imam Husain (AS), a revolutionary figure celebrated by Shiites worldwide.
