The Channels Television reporter shot on Monday during the clash between the police and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, otherwise referred to as Shi’ites, is dead.
He is identified as Precious Owolabi and a member of the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC.
His death was announced during the news bulletin of the television station at 10.00 p.m.
A deputy commissioner of police in charge of operation, Usman Umar, said to be shot also died while no fewer than 17 Shi’ite members were said to have been shot dead and several others injured.
Members of the Shi’ite embarked on a protest in Abuja on Monday in continuation of their agitation for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
The protest turned violent when they refused to yield to efforts by the police to stop them.
El-Zakzaky was arrested and detained in 2015 following a clash with the military and the loss of lives that followed.
The leader of the group is currently facing trial over the incident.
Members of his group have consistently carried out protests, particularly in Abuja, leading to loss of lives.
Only recently, the group invaded the National Assembly causing mayhem.
The Presidency on Friday spoke on the incessant violent protest by the Shi’ites.
It warned the group to desist from embarking on violence which it described as needless.
Rather, the Presidency said, the members of the group should await the decision of the court in Kaduna where their leader is currently being tried.
It stated that the issue of El-Zakzaky was before the court in Kaduna and his supporters should focus on his on-going trial instead of causing daily damage, disruptions and public nuisance in Abuja.
“It is wrong to be in court and resort to violence at the same time in order to get justice for anybody accused.
“The destruction of public property in the name of protest is not within the right of this group of Shiite members and no government anywhere would have tolerated a situation where any group would take over public roads in cities as they have done in Abuja and interfere with the rights of other citizens who are prevented from reaching their destinations.
“We imagine a situation where families are taking their loved ones to hospital for emergency treatment and they are held up needlessly by the protesters. No government anywhere in the world would turn a blind eye to this unlawful behaviour.
“As far as this country’s Ministry of Justice is concerned, the case involving El-Zakzaky is no longer in its domain. The Federal Government no more has hands in the matter and to that extent, the government at the centre can be said to be clear of any alleged violations of court orders as being trumpeted everyday,” the Presidency said.