El-zakzaky Protest: Police arrest 19 protesters in Abuja

Against the backdrop of violent protest by hundreds of members of the Shiite Islamic group in Abuja on Thursday, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the arrest of at least 19 members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) protesting against the ruling of the Federal High Court regarding the international passport of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, adding that they will be charged to court in due course.

A Federal High Court in the nation’s capital had earlier rejected an application filed by Sheikh El-Zakzaky, asking the Department of State Services, DSS, to release his passport and that of his wife.

But Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered judgement on the matter, ruled that the Islamic cleric failed to prove that his passport was missing.

The development angered Sheikh’s followers numbering over 400 who staged a protest from the Federal High Court to Eagle Square leading to the blockage of major roads while demanding immediate release of their leader’s international passport.

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The FCT Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement said the protest inconvenienced members of the public, especially commuters.

The statement reads, “Following the Federal High Court ruling over the release of the International Passport of Sheikh Ibraheem El-zakzaky, members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) numbering over Four Hundred (400) staged a protest from Federal High Court to Eagle Square blocking roads, deliberately inconveniencing members of the public, especially commuters, and demanding the immediate release of their leader’s International Passport.

“Upon receiving distress calls from residents apprehensive of their safety, Police operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene to support officers already on the ground monitoring the procession.

“On sighting the reinforcement team, members of the IMN started throwing stones, Molotov cocktails, and other dangerous objects at the officers.

“The unlawful procession was dispersed using minimal force while nineteen (19) suspects were arrested and will be charged in court following due process of the law.

“The FCT Command assures residents of its commitment to security, safety, and peace within the capital territory.

“No untoward incident was recorded as observation and monitoring continued.”