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Tag: Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky

  • 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.

  • Court adjourns case challenging Zakzaky’s IMN ban till March 22

    Court adjourns case challenging Zakzaky’s IMN ban till March 22

    A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned to March 22 hearing on the suit filed by the Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky led Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) against Kaduna State government, challenging the ban of the movement in the state.

    Presiding Judge, Justice A. Shuiabu said the adjournment became necessary to enable counsels to the state government and the Directorate of State Security (DSS) prepare their final affidavit.

    Counsel to IMN, Barrister A. U Ajodo stated that the counsels to the government and DSS submitted their response to the case on Thursday and that he would need time to peruse it before reacting adequately.

    According to him, “lawyers to the government, governor and the DSS just submitted their affidavit this morning and I need to go through it”.

    It would be recalled that after the arrest of IMN leader, El-Zakzaky and some members of the group by the federal government for blocking the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff in Zaria. The state government through the governor Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai put a ban on the group’s activities in the state.

    The governor ordered that its members be arrested if they attempt to hold any form of rally or procession in the state. The IMN is in Court to stop the ban and harassment of its members by security operatives, citing freedom of religion and association, urging that with the ban in place, government will be infringing on their freedom as citizens.

    Assistant Director Public Prosecution, M.D Joseph, counsel to the state government and counsel to DSS, Barrister L.A Bulus and counsels to the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff were all advised by Justice Shuaibu to get their acts straight when the case comes up for hearing in March 22, 2018, because he will not entertain excuses.

  • Zakzaky’s followers to march across Nigeria Friday

    Zakzaky’s followers to march across Nigeria Friday

    Members of the Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky led Islamic Movement in Nigeria; popularly known as Shi’ites are to embark on their annual Quds Day marches across the country Friday.

    The Nation recall that, the Shi’ites during similar event in 2014 clashed men of the Nigerian Army and the clash led to the death of over 30 members of the movement, including three sons of El-Zakzaky.

    The 2014 clash was the genesis of the Shi’ites/Army crisis before that of December 2015, which led to the arrest and detention of Zakzaky and his wife.

    Meanwhile, the movement in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Ibrahim Musa said, the march is a peaceful demonstration in support of victims of Zionism and against illegal occupation of Palestine by Israeli.

    According to the statement, “the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) has been in the forefront in observing the Quds Day which is well attended by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike on the last Friday of Ramadan for several decades now. This year’s event is set to hold tomorrow Friday 28 Ramadan, 1437 equivalent to 23 June, 2017.

    “The IMN hereby call on all people of conscience to join in commemorating this annual event by lending a voice to the oppressed people of Palestine, while condemning the Israeli atrocities on them. It is scheduled to take place in over 24 cities across the country, and all are invited to attend.

    “The Day is commemorated based on conscience and not only on religious consideration as victims of Zionism and illegal occupation of Palestine include Muslims and Christians alike. Moreover pro-Palestinian protest marches such as this are organized in all parts of the world including Europe and America to mark the International Quds Day.

    “The third holiest mosque in Islam, Masjid al Aqsa is under the occupation of the Zionist Israeli regime following the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel. The holy mosque of al-Aqsa is the place through which the holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad (SAWA) undertook his night journey when he ascended to the heavens as mentioned in the holy Quran.

    “The illegal state of Israel had unleashed terror on the innocent but strong-hearted people of Palestine for the past 60 years, killing unarmed men, women and children, demolishing their houses and placing thousands in illegal detention and torture.

    “All these are taking place before the very eyes of the world but for reasons best known to them, the international community is simply looking the other way as this state terrorism is taking place with what could best be described as genocide against the people of Palestine.

    “Left without any help or assistance from the so-called world powers while Israel is dealing deadly blow on the Palestinians, whose lands it had occupied, the entire populace were left to themselves against the terror-laden state of Israel.

    “It is against this background that the leader of Islamic Revolution in Iran, Ayatullah Ruhullah Khomeini declared the last Friday of every month of Ramadan for people of conscience across the globe to express their support for the Palestinian course and condemn the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel.

    “We will also like to seize this opportunity to call on the Nigerian government to immediately and unconditionally release the revered leader of the IMN, His Eminence, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, who has been most active in this course of struggle for humanity and who in the past lost his children in the cause of this struggle for Palestinian freedom. Today is the 588 days he spent in detention despite a substantive court order for his release”, it said.

     

     

  • Zaria Clash: El-Zakzaky drags FG, Army, others to Court 

    Zaria Clash: El-Zakzaky drags FG, Army, others to Court 

    The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shi’ite sect, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky who is still under custody dragged the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and others to the Federal High Court, demanding for N3bn as general damages.

    Others dragged sued alongside the Army and its chief are Director General State Security Services (SSS), Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to court as 1st-5th respondents.

    In the suit with No FHC/ABJ/CS/247/16 the IMN leader through his counsels, Femi Falana SAN, Festus Okoye Esq, Maxwell Kyon Esq among others is seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, freedom of movement, dignity of the human person and right to private and family life.

    A copy of the suit made available to newsmen in Kaduna Wednesday at a press briefing read that, the applicant is also seeking an order of the court to compel the respondents jointly and severally to pay to their client the sum of three billion naira as general damages for the illegal violation of his fundamental rights to life, dignity of his person, fair hearing, privacy and private property.

    The applicant is seeking a declaration that the violent invasion of his private residence at No 1 Wali road, Gyallessu, Zaria in Kaduna State December 14, 2015 is a fragrant violation of his fundamental rights to privacy and private property as guaranteed‎ by the constitution.

    • A declaration that shooting of the applicant by armed soldiers who are members of the 1st respondent on Sunday, December 14, 2015 at his residence is illegal and unconstitutional.
    • A declaration that the cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment meted to the applicant by armed soldiers who are members of the 1st respondent is a fragrant vuolation of his foundamental right to dignity of human person as guarantted by the constitution.
    • A declaration that the extra judicial killing of ‎the appicants three children namely: Hameed Ibrahim (18), Ali Haidar Ibraheem (16), and Humaid Ibraheem (14) by armed soldiers who are agents of the 1st respondent at his residence in Gyallesu, the Hussainiya Baqiyyatulah and several other members of the IMN as on 14, 2015 is illegal and unconstitutional as it violates the foundamental right of the deceased to life.
    • A declaration that the arrest of the applicant without warrant i$gn his house at Zaria by armed soldiers who are agents of the 1st respondent on 14, December, 2015 is a fragrant violation of his fundamental rights to privacy and private property.
    • A declaration that the detention of the applicant at Kaduna and Abuja by the 2nd and 3rd respondents wihout access to mebers of his family and the IMN since December 14th 2015 till date is illegal and unconstitutional.
    • A declaration that the continued detention of the applicant from the 14th day of December 2015 till date without charging him to court of law is illegal and unconstitutional as it violate his fundamental right to fair hearing‎ as enshrined in the constitution.

    The counsels are also seeking an order of the court directing the immediate and unconditional release of the applicant from the custody of the second and third respondent.

    The counsel also sought an order of the court restraining the respondent from further arresting and or detaining and or harassing the applicant in any manner whatsoever and howsoever without lawful justification.

    Addressing newsmen on behalf of the Counsels, Festus Okoye stressed that, “The continued detention of the Islamic leader from 14th day of December, 2015 till date without charging him to court before a properly constituted court of law is illegal and unconstitutional as it violates his fundamental human rights to fair hearing as enshrined in section 36 (5) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP A10) laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004.

    “That the arrest of the leader of the movement on 14th day of December, 2015 and his detention till date without access to his medical doctor is unconstitutional as it violates his fundamental rights to personal liberty and health as enshrined in section 35 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, (as amended) and articles 6 and 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP A10) Laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

    He expressed dismay with the extra judicial killing of the leader’s three children and hundreds of other members of the movement by the armed soldiers, adding that the arrest of El-Zakzaky without warrant in his home at No. 1 Wali road, Gyallesu, Zaria by armed soldiers was a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights to privacy and private property guaranteed by section 35 (1) (4) (6) of the constitution of Nigeria.

    Speaking on the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Kaduna State government, he said, the leader of the Islamic movement of Nigeria expressed his reservations about the movement putting his appearance before the commission of inquiry particularly considering the composition of the commission and the fact that the Nigerian Army is a federal institution that is not subject to the control of the Kaduna State government and its agencies.

    “During our conference with the leader of the Islamic movement of Nigeria, we notified him of the fact that the Kaduna State government has set up a judicial commission of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate causes of the Army/Shiite clash and also of the fact that scores of members of the movement lost their lives during the clash while over 200 of them are in prison custody on allegations of attempted murder of the Chief of Army Staff.

    “He instructed us to challenge the composition of the commission and its impartiality in court and also instructed that we file an application to enforce his fundamental rights which we agreed has been and are still being infringed upon by his continued detention without trial and without his having been informed of the basis upon which he was being detained.

    “On the 12th day of April 2016, we filed 2 originating motions before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on behalf of the leader of the Islamic Movement and his wife, Zeenat. Joined in the said originating summons are the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff, the department of State Services, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation seeking identical reliefs for both applicants,” he observed.

     

     

  • Zakzaky blames Potiskum bomb blast on military

    Zakzaky blames Potiskum bomb blast on military

    Leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as ‘Shi’ite’, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky has blamed the military for Monday’s bomb attack on the Ashura procession in Potiskum, Yobe State.

    About 28 people were killed in the attack and 80 injured.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday in Zaria, Kaduna State, Sheikh Zakzaky said he, on Sunday, alerted security agencies of a plan to attack the Ashura procession in Zaria.

    He said: “The attack in Potiskum was pre-planned, as they did in Zaria on Quds Day, and the Movement had prior knowledge of the plan to be executed in Zaria, but it was least expected in Potiskum.”

    The sheikh alleged that the bomb was thrown into the crowd by soldiers, who later came with armoured vehicles and shot at people at the Fudiyyah School.

    He alleged that the plan was masterminded by Israel and the United States to clampdown on the Movement, adding: “Part of the plan was to use poisonous gas on the people during the procession from Tudunwada to Kwangila, in addition to planned bomb attack during the Zaria Ashura procession. Let them come out and dispute this claim. They are still bent on executing it. But we least expected an attack on the Potiskum procession. These people can do anything to satisfy their masters.”

    Sheikh Zakzaky said the Potiskum attack was a continuation of the Zaria Quds “massacre”, adding: “Security operatives spent five months in Zaria planning the July 25 massacre. The plain clothes security operatives brought to Zaria for the aborted attack on Ashura have been withdrawn from the streets, but are still around contemplating the plan.”

    He described the Zaria and Potiskum attacks as a shame on a nation, “which engages in war on its citizens to satisfy a foreign interest in exchange for worldly pleasure or reward”.

    The cleric said: “If these people lived in the days of Imam Hussain, they would have done more harm to him than Yazid. There are Hussain and Yazid in every period. They are the Yazids of our time.”

    He said: “The government is full of wild beasts, with an insatiable appetite for the citizens’ blood. They killed mostly children, dramatising the tragedy of Karbala. What we have is a heartless government backed by wild beast military with a license to kill. They cannot blame this atrocity on any group. We know it is them.”

     

  • Soldiers on red alert against us – Shi’ite leader

    The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ite, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, on Wednesday raised alarm that the military after allegedly killing his 33 followers at a recent procession has again put soldiers on red alert against the group.

    El-Zakzaky made the statement at the end of Nahjul Balagha study session at the Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah, Zaria.

    The Nigerian Army has however dismissed the allegation, saying there was no such directive.

    El-Zakzaky said, “The Nigerian military after killing innocent people in Zaria at the recent Quds Day procession has now gone on the defensive and therefore spreading rumour that the “Shi’ites” were going to avenge the killing of their members.

    “The military having woefully failed in its plan has stationed all barracks on red alert to further unleash more violence and spill innocent blood.

    “We will not be surprised if the military decides to detonate bombs or even kill some of its personnel accuse the “Shi’ites” of taking revenge. The military had been doing this all over in the name of Boko Haram.”