- Shi’ites threaten legal action against the Nigerian government.
- Allegations of unlawful detention of members, including minors.
- Incident stems from a clash during a peaceful procession.
- Legal team demands immediate release and justice for victims.
Shi’ites Draw Battle Lines: Legal Action Imminent?
The Shi’ite community in Nigeria is gearing up for a legal battle, accusing the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army, and the police of unlawfully detaining their members. The group claims that over 60 minors are among those being held, sparking outrage and demands for immediate release.
The Incident: A Peaceful Procession Turns Sour
The crisis erupted following an incident on March 28, 2025, when Shi’ite members were conducting a peaceful procession in Abuja to mark International Quds Day. According to reports, officers of the Nigerian Army allegedly attacked the procession, leading to casualties and arrests.
Lawyers Speak Out: Allegations of Brutality and Injustice
A team of lawyers representing the Shi’ites, led by Mr. Bala Dakum and Yushau Uthman Dakum, has come forward with serious allegations. They claim that approximately 26 people were allegedly shot dead by security officers during the incident, with over 30 sustaining life-threatening injuries and about 274 arrested.
“Our clients came out on March 28, 2025, to commemorate their annual international Quds day like their counterparts across the globe,” the lawyers stated. “While peacefully carrying out their procession in Banex Area, Wuse Il, Abuja in their thousands, they unexpectedly and surprisingly came across a group of armed soldiers who without any provocation started firing live ammunition at them.”
Detention Conditions: Harsh and Dehumanizing?
The lawyers further allege that those arrested were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force and detained under harsh conditions, with minors being held alongside suspected criminals. They also claim that detainees were coerced into signing statements without legal representation, violating the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
The Demand: Release the Detainees, Return the Corpses
The Shi’ite community is demanding the immediate release of all detained members, including the minors. They are also calling for the release of the corpses of those allegedly killed during the incident, stating that the bodies are being held in secret hospitals, preventing proper Islamic burial rites.
A History of Conflict: Are Shi’ites Under Attack?
According to the lawyers, this incident is just one in a series of attacks against the Shi’ite community in Nigeria over the past 11 years. They allege a grand plan by the Nigerian government to deprive them of their rights to freedom of worship, association, and expression.
Legal Action: The Only Option?
With tensions escalating, the Shi’ites are vowing to pursue legal action if their demands are not met. “This is the only option we can use. We cannot use force. We have to use the legal way by going to court,” Mr. Dakum stated.
What’s Next?
The coming days will be critical as the Shi’ite community prepares to take on the Nigerian government in court. Will the government respond to their demands, or is Nigeria heading for a protracted legal battle? Stay tuned for updates.
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