The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN)

  • IMN calls for judicial enquiry over fracas with Police

    THE proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), on Saturday in Katsina State called for an independent enquiry into the its recent encounter with the Nigerian Police Force so as to ascertain those behind the violent outcomes of their recently embarked street procession which eventually turned violent

    The representative of the Muslim Brothers in Katsina under the leadership of Shayk Elzazaky, Shayk Ya’aqup Yahaya Katsina Ya-koop who spoke to The Nation in an exclusive interview in his house yesterday night, insisted that his IMN group is not violent and did not carry out violence on any one.

    He argued that an independent enquiry, composed of reputable personalities and international figures, into the recent Abuja violence involving the sect and the Police will surely vindicate them from the various accusations being leveled against the group.

    While accusing the Police of masterminding the killings and the attendant violence during each of IMN’s religious processions, he insisted that the attitude of the Federal Government and the Nigerian Police Force towards the group could be likened to the proverbial “giving the dog a bad name in other to hang it.”

    Read Also: Why we named IMN terrorist group, by IG

    He said “It is the presence of the Police and security operatives that rather escalated the violence; remove them and there will be no violence at all. We do conduct our procession here in Katsina, without Police presence and there has never been any violence at all.”

    On the comments made by the elder brother to Elzazaky, Shayk Muhammad Sani Yakoob in a recent interview, he urged Nigerians to disregard him, saying that Shayk Yakoop belongs to the Wahabi Islamic sect while Shayk Elzazaky belongs to the Shi’a Ahi-bait Islamic sect and that both have remained antagonistic to each other due to their religious divides

    He said “Their differences could be likened to the Biblical Cain and Abel. While Shayk Elzazaky represents Abel who offered acceptable sacrifices to God, Muhammad Sani represents Cain who none the less a betrayer and promoter of divisive tendencies.”

    He advised that rather proscribing the group, President Muhammadu Buhari should dialogue with the leaders for an amicable solution, adding that if the proscription order is allowed to stand it could provoke several unhealthy outcomes.

     

  • Presidency: freedom of worship not affected by IMN ban

    The proscription of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has nothing to do with peaceful and law-abiding Shi’ites in the country, the Federal Government explained on Sunday.

    Lawful members of the group have not been banned from practicing their religion, the government in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

    The statement said rather, it was to discourage wanton violence, murder and willful destruction of public and private property.

    But the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has said it would not be distracted by the court order, declaring the sect as a terrorist organisation.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja had on Friday declared the group a terrorist organisation, following an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government.

    The Presidency’s statement said that contrary to the claim by the IMN that it had been banned from practising its religion, President Buhari’s administration has not banned Shi’ites from observing their five daily prayers and going to Mecca to perform the Holy pilgrimage.

    The statement reads: “Their position is blatantly false and deceptive. The IMN is deliberately changing the narrative in order to gain sympathy and divert the attention of the world from its terrorist activities, including attacking soldiers, killing policemen and a youth corps member, destroying government ambulances and public property, consistently defying authority of the state.

    “The Presidency notes that the banned organization was taken over by extremists who didn’t believe in peaceful protests and instead employed violence and arson, driving fear and undermining the rights of others and constituted authority.

    “The Presidency agrees that the constitution protects freedom of worship, but not to the detriment of the society, especially where such freedom harms others, and breaks law and order.

    “The Presidency insists that such criminal behavior and disregard for rights of others and human life will not be tolerated by any responsible government, explaining that everywhere in the world protesters operate within legal boundaries and conduct themselves peacefully without molesting others, or engaging in murder and killing of security personnel or destroying public and private property.

    “The Presidency regrets that despite all efforts by the government and other well-meaning Nigerians to make the IMN militants to see reason and abandon violence, such appeals fell on deaf ears as they killed, maimed and destroyed willfully, constituting daily nuisance to workers, commuters and other innocent citizens.

    Read Also: Court ‘ll decide El-Zakzaky’s fate – Presidency

    “Having defied appeals to operate peacefully, and given their seeming determination to destabilise the country, the government had to act before the situation goes out of control, after admonishing many times over that people should not use religion to perpetuate lawlessness.

    “We are fighting lawlessness and criminality and not pursuing a policy of discrimination against any group.

    “You cannot be in court while at the same time engaging in violent protests, molesting people and inflicting pains on others, which includes taking innocent lives.”

    In a statement on Sunday, IMN media forum President Ibrahim Musa, described the order as a “joke.”

    He said the order will not distract the group from continuing its demand for the release of its leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015, should be released.

    The spokesman said though the group was yet to get the copy of the order, its lawyers were already studying development.

    The statement reads: “The Islamic Movement has learnt of the fallacious court order for its proscription by a high court in Abuja, that it is a terrorist group.

    “We are in consultations with our lawyers, and we would, as a peaceful people … give an appropriate response.

    “We want to assure the general public and the international community that we will not be pushed into taking any rash decision no matter the provocation.

    “This order, we believe, was hastily obtained to sweep under the carpet the glaring human rights abuses suffered by the IMN since the Zaria genocide of December, 2015.

    “We reject any false flag terror attacks that the authorities would be plotting in our name, and by this assure the general public that we have never contemplated the use of terror tactics in our ways. This is not about to change.”

  • IMN crunch

    The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), security agencies’ see-saw, over the continued detention of Ibrahim Elzakzaky, the IMN leader, just got to a crunch.  The IMN just got proscribed, as an alleged terrorist organisation.

    The reaction has been mixed, mostly influenced by where you stood on the ideological spectrum.  Crusaders of citizen liberty howl “state outlawry!”  But advocates of citizen safety scream “law and order!”  It is viewing the same continuum at two extreme ends.

    That indeed is the jam of the modern state.  How much of personal or group liberty should you allow before risking collective safety security, another key canon of the pristine state, via the social contract?

    Opposing advocates go on an emotive binge, stacking their cards, to checkmate the other, just to win the extant argument.  Still, a bit of common sense (which by the way is never common) would do here.

    Just like individuals, corporate citizens have the protection under the law — until they breach that law. That is what crime and punishment is all about.  That is why convicts are gaoled — or even executed — for a breach of the law.

    By the same token, a corporate body’s right is not absolute.  Since, by the social contract, the state is sworn to protecting the collective against the powerful, garrulous, violent or even unreasonable few, a group risks its rights and liberty being curtailed, if it became a menace to other citizens, group or individual.

    By that, is the IMN ban justified?  The answer can’t be sweeping, for it would depend on specific circumstances.

    For starters, by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, you can’t proscribe a faith, say Islam or Christianity or African traditional beliefs.

    But you sure can ban a religious groups which has become a menace to others, so long as the courts buy the facts you have sworn to before it.  Still, that cannot be forever, except that nuisance exists forever, which is well nigh impossible.

    So, those who scream IMN’s ban is wrong, because it robs the adherents the fundamental right of practicing their faith, get it fatally wrong.

    IMN is not the only Shiite group in the country.  If it faces ban, therefore, it is not because it is Shiite (like the two other groups); but because it is violent (unlike the other two).

    So, by its often violent conduct and undisputed nuisance to others, even the most romantic IMN apologist would agree its behaviour isn’t exactly its best asset in its defence against ban.

    Its latest protest that claimed a top cop and a fledging youth on youth service, aside from arson: the razing public facilities, was a gory peak to a well established pattern of notoriety.

    But the law and order side too must not pretend the IMN had no right to protests — even if they err by their unfazed violent protests — to press for the release of their leader, after a court bail; even if the bail is disputed by both sides.

    Unfortunately, the federal government has founded the El-Zakzaky non-release on claiming he is a security risk.  That is another level of complication, again unfortunately not helped by IMN’s swashbuckling challenge to the laws of the land.

    In the final analysis, however, it is best everyone regains their rights and liberties.  But you can’t claim relief under a law you claim not to recognize.

    So, let the “ban” serve as a shock therapy to pull IMN back from the brink.  Let them conform to the laws of the land.  Let El-Zakzaky too be tried.  If innocent, let him go.  If guilty, let him serve his term.

    For now, let IMN lawyers contest the ban in court.  At the end of the day, it’s due process, not violence or self-help, that gets acceptable results.

     

     

  • JUST IN: Why we proscribed Shi’ites, by FG

    The Presidency on Sunday explained the proscription of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly called Shi’ites was to stop the spread of its terrorist activities.

    The development, it said, has nothing to do with banning the larger numbers of peaceful and law- abiding Shiites in the country from practicing their religion.

    It said instead it was to discourage wanton violence, murder and willful destruction of public and private property.

    Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement on Sunday evening said contrary to the claim by IMN that it had been stopped from practicing its religion President Buhari’s administration has not banned Shiites from observing their five daily prayers and going to Mecca to perform the Holy pilgrimage.

    “Their position is blatantly false and deceptive. The IMN is deliberately changing the narrative in order to gain sympathy and divert the attention of the world from its terrorist activities, including attacking soldiers, killing policemen and a youth corps member, destroying government ambulances and public property, consistently defying authority of the state.

    “The Presidency notes that the banned organisation was taken over by extremists who didn’t believe in peaceful protests and instead employed violence and arson, driving fear and undermining the rights of others and constituted authority.

    “The Presidency agrees that the constitution protects freedom of worship, but not to the detriment of the society, especially where such freedom harms others, and breaks law and order.

    Read Also: Gunshots in Abuja as Shi’ites, police clash at Fed secretariat

    “The Presidency insists that such criminal behavior and disregard for rights of others and human life will not be tolerated by any responsible government, explaining that everywhere in the world protesters operate within legal boundaries and conduct themselves peacefully without molesting others, or engaging in murder and killing of security personnel or destroying public and private property.

    “The Presidency regrets that despite all efforts by the government and other well-meaning Nigerians to make the IMN militants to see reason and abandon violence, such appeals fell on deaf ears as they killed, maimed and destroyed willfully, constituting daily nuisance to workers, commuters and other innocent citizens.”

    The presidential aide added: “Having defied appeals to operate peacefully, and given their seeming determination to destabilize the country, the government had to act before the situation goes out of control, after admonishing many times over that people should not use religion to perpetuate lawlessness.

    “We are fighting lawlessness and criminality and not pursuing a policy of discrimination against any group.

    “You cannot be in court while at the same time engaging in violent protests, molesting people and inflicting pains on others, which includes taking innocent lives.”

  • DCP, 12 others dead as Shiites protest in Abuja

    MEMBERS of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly called Shiites, on Monday clashed with the police at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The battle grounds were the popular Federal Secretariat, Eagle Square and around the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Members of the IMN stepped up their protest for the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, despite last week’s restriction of all protests in Abuja to the Unity Fountain.

    The sect members trooped out in their hundreds to continue their daily protest.

    Eye witnesses said that the police, who attempted to prevent the Shiites members from storming the Federal Secretariat flashpoint, started firing gunshots and tear gas, as the protesters were forcing their way through to the area.

    It was gathered that the attempt by the police to disperse the sect members failed as the security details appeared to have been overwhelmed by the surging protesters.

    Unconfirmed reports said more than five Shiite members were killed.

    The protest, which began from NITEL Junction at Wuse 2, was said to have been disrupted by policemen who condoned off the road leading to the National Assembly and the three Arms Zone.

    According to eyewitnesses, live ammunition was allegedly fired at the protesters as they advanced and made their way toward the Eagle Square and the Federal Secretariat.

    The sustained shooting, it was learnt, led to commotion and pandemonium as workers and passersby ran for their dear lives.

    The clash sparked panic as anxious workers at the Federal Secretariat, commuters and motorists fled the area.

    There was a terrible traffic jam at the city centre, which forced many motorists to abandon their cars.

    One of our reporters sighted the five bodies around the Federal Secretariat.

    At the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) substation close to the Federal Secretariat, one water tanker and one operational vehicle stationed at the sub-station were set ablaze allegedly by the protesters.

    Cars at the general motor park behind the Eagle Square were vandalised by the protesters.

    The back windshield of a car at the National Assembly car park was shattered by what was described as “stray bullet”.

    The sect members retreated when they noticed that the security operatives had overpowered them.

    Some security agents in army uniform were observed helping the police to contain the situation.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Again, Shiites protesters, Police clash in Abuja

    The sect members were said to have infiltrated the FCT Central Business Area from Maraba and Nyanya in Nasarawa State.

    Traffic was heavy on Keffi-Abuja Expressway as soldiers conducted a stop-and-search operation.

    IMN spokesman Abdullahi Musa said 10 of its members were shot dead; several others were injured.

    Musa insisted that killing or arresting members of the group will not stop them from protesting until their leader is freed.

    His words: “As I am speaking with you about 10 of our members have been shot dead by the police.”

    The police evacuated the bodies from the road.

    A Channels Television reporter, Precious Owolabi, who was hit by stray bullet, was last night confirmed dead.

    He was said to have been rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

    Precious, 23, was a corps member serving with Channels Television in Abuja.

    The management of the television confirmed his death during its 10 pm news.

    The Police advised FCT residents to remain calm.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Frank Mba said: “There is a violent protest currently ongoing by members of the El-Zakzaky Group in some parts of the FCT – particularly the Central Business District and the Three Arms Zone.

    “The police are taking adequate measures to bring the situation under control.

    “Citizens are advised to remain calm and avoid the affected areas in the interim. The Police will keep the public abreast with further development.”

     

  • One dead, three injured as IMN, security clash in Potiskum

    One person, a boy is said to have died from a stray bullet following a clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and security personnel in the commercial city of Potiskum, Yobe State.

    Three members of the IMN have also been reportedly injured during the clash which took place around 8.30am Friday.

    Read Also:Police clash with IMN members in Abuja again

    Yobe State Commissioner of Police (CP) Mr. Sumonu Abdulmalik confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

    According to the CP, “the problem started when El-Zazzaky people during their yearly Ashura procession attempted to seize a gun from a soldier. Three people were wounded from the fracas. This I can confirm to you but I am still expecting details later in the day”.

    But one of the members of the group, Ibraheem El Tafseer denied the CP’s claim, saying that, “that is not our habit, that is not in our character. What the CP told you is not true”.

    “We have spent more than 25 years doing our Ashura procession in Potiskum. But today we came on the street and we were going then soldier came and started beating our members and later opened fire on them. Three people were injured. One person was hit by a stray bullet. Unfortunately he died.  But he is not our member. They arrested one of us and took him away.

    “The claim of the police is not true. We have even finished the procession and we gathered to round up when they now came. Nobody tried to attack them. That is not our habit.  That is not in our character,” Ibraheem narrated.

    Another source said that the members of the IMN threw stones at the JTF Vehicle which provoked the security personnel.

    Meanwhile, the sound of gunshots threw the commercial city into pandemonium.

    But the commissioner of police has informed that normalcy has returned to the city.

     

  • Ashura Day: Shi’ites dare security, vow to storm streets 

    The Shi’ites sect under Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky led Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has vowed to observe its annual Ahsura mourning procession, despite ‘intimidation’ by the security operatives.

    The Shi’ites in a statement by its spokesperson, Ibrahim Musa said, “Ashura mourning procession is not a threat to peace, contrary to the widespread belief.”

    “The Islamic Movement in Nigeria vehemently discountenances some alarmist message that have gone viral on the social media insinuating that the Shi’a annual religious mourning procession, popularly known as Ashura will be violent in Abuja and other cities across the nation, with some saying people should stay indoors to avoid eminent clash with the mourners.

    Read Also:Kaduna High Court frees 100 Shi’ites members in detention

    “Even though the threat to spill our blood on Ashura by the powers that be will not deter us from our religious obligation, we will however like to assure the general public and well-meaning Nigerians that our mission is to enlighten citizens on the injustice meted to the Grandson of the Prophet, Imam Husain (AS) in the year 61AH and also to remind the public of the oppression suffered by Sheikh Zakzaky since December, 2015, hence demand for his unconditional release along with hundreds of others still languishing in jail by this administration.

    “This message to say the least is mischievous and is aimed at causing unnecessary hysteria among citizens. How can one rationalise this blandishment based on the notion that the Shi’as would hold a protest march in Abuja and other cities? We have been holding these annual Ashura marches for decades here in Nigeria peacefully, and this year’s own won’t be an exception.

    “For those who are hearing about Ashura procession for the first time, it is held annually on the 10th of the first Islamic calendar month, Muharram, to commemorate the martyrdom of the third rightly guided Imam, Hussein (as), and scores of his companions who were mostly members of the Prophet’s family at the hands of the despotic ruler of the time, Yazid (LA). Ashura mourning session has been happening in Nigeria since time immemorial in various forms. Most notable of which is the one marked by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, when mourners of Imam Hussein (as), the grandson of the Prophet (S), mostly clad in black, hold flags and banners to solemnly march in a funeral procession.

    “Previous processions in the recent past has been characterized by state-sponsored terror attacks on mourners by the government, especially in Kaduna, Funtua and Jos leading to wanton loss of lives and properties. Already, feelers from Kaduna indicate that there were plans in place for the government to use combined forces of soldiers, police and thugs to violently seek to stop the religious obligation by mourners.

    “Probably as a prelude to what might happen tomorrow, early in the morning of today some armed security agents invaded the house of one of the leading members of the Islamic Movement in Jos, Plateau state. Though they made no arrests, but they intimidated the people in the neighborhood for no just reason.

    “Similarly some soldiers of the Army barracks at Azare are reported to have blocked the path of Ashura mourners trekking to attend tomorrow’s gathering, even though they have no constitutional mandate to do that, and this is not the first time they are witnessing the trekkers passing by peacefully,” the statement read.

  • El-Zakzaky: Shi’ite members protest in Abuja, demand his release

    Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shi’ite, on Wednesday, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to free their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who had been in detention since December, 2015.

    The IMN members, who staged a peaceful protest again in Abuja, shutdown Berger-Wuse axis for more than 45 minutes, thereby resulting to heavy traffic along the area, while traders hurriedly closed down their shops in case of any eventuality.

    Some of them were carrying placards, shouting “Buhari free our leader. Buhari free El-Zakzaky and his wife.”

    One of the demonstrators told The Nation that no amount of blackmail and intimidation would make them to surrender.

    He said no amount of cheap blackmail would make them to succumb, because the protests have always been peaceful and they have proven that to the world beyond any reasonable doubt, even in the face of extreme provocation.

    “Our timely rallies, campaigns and other religious activities will continue as at when due and in our usual peaceful ways without fear of intimidation or any recourse to illogical violent means.” He added.

    It will be recalled that the Shi’ites members engaged security personnel, penultimate Monday, while protesting for the immediate release of their leader and his wife. During the clash, both the commercial and vehicular activities were paralyzed at the affected areas.

    Meanwhile, there was heightened security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as more mobile policemen were deployed in strategic parts of the city to forestall any break down of law and order.

    Read Also: Police teargas pro-El-Zakzaky protesters

  • Police clash with IMN members in Abuja again

    The Police in FCT on Monday clashed with members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria ( IMN ) after they stormed the National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC ) demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

    The police had on April 16 arrested 115 members of the sect during a violent protest in the territory.

    A senior security officer who pleaded anonymity because he was not permitted to talk to journalists, told our reporter that the sect members had to be forcefully dispersed after all pleas to leave the area fell on deaf ears.

    However, the sect members engaged the force with stones and other missiles and smashed glasses of some vehicles parked in and around the NHRC building.

    They also pelted the police water cannon vehicle deployed to disperse them with stones, wounding some of the policemen, while some of the sect members ran into one of the uncompleted buildings beside the commission.

    The police later called for re-enforcement, leading to deployment of more personnel with sniffer dogs to comb the building.

    Although the senior officer declined to comment further, we gathered that some members of the sect were arrested in connection with the violent protest.

    When contacted, the Spokesman of the FCT Police Command, DSP Anjuguri Manzah, said that he had not gotten details of the incident and, therefore, declined further comments.

    NAN

  • Sokoto: Court orders IMN members to obey laws on procession

    Sokoto: Court orders IMN members to obey laws on procession

    A Federal High Court in Sokoto has told members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria ( IMN ) otherwise called Shi’ites to comply with all existing laws while performing their religious activities in Sokoto state.

    The presiding Judge, Justice Saleh Idrissa issued the order in his judgment Wednesday on the enforcement of fundamental human rights suit filed before the court by Prof. Shehu Maigandi, Kasimu Muhammad and Sidi Umar on behalf of IMN members.