The clash resulted in the death of two policemen and three sustaining serious injuries.

Three patrol vehicles were set ablaze by the Shiites during the clash.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said credible intelligence reports helped the police operatives to apprehend  the detained suspects.

He said the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun’s directive on the matter would be carried out to the letter.

Adejobi said the I-G had reaffirmed the force’s determination to arrest other persons involved in the attack and bring them to justice.

READ ALSO: MRA warns police: Incessant harassment of journalists intolerable

The police spokesman quoted the I-G as saying he would resist all sorts of anarchy and unrest in any part of the country, and  pledged to continue to maintain law and order in all parts of the country.

According to him, the unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable as those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace.

“As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of such violence against police officers,” he said.

Adejobi said the inspector-general sympathised with the grieving families of the fallen police officers and wished those currently undergoing treatment speedy recovery.

He called on the public to support and understand the Nigeria Police Force in its quest to maintain law and order even in the face of extremist threats and other violent crimes.

Source: NAN

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His counsel, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), who filed the suit, stated that El-Zakzaky demanded the money as general and exemplary damages over the respondents’ refusal to release his travel passports.

In the suit, El-Zakzaky asked for an order of the court mandating the DSS and AGF to pay him the N2 billion for the violation of his rights to freedom of movement, fair hearing and property.

He also sought a court declaration that the seizure of his passport with number A50578740 since May 2019 was illegal and unconstitutional.

He claimed that the seizure violated his fundamental right to freedom of movement as guaranteed in Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The plaintiff also prayed the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from further violating his rights.

El-Zakzaky wants the court to also declare that the refusal of the DSS and the AGF to allow him to travel abroad for medical treatment was a threat to his life.

Guarantee to life, he submitted, is contained in Section 33 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Other reliefs sought in the suit included a declaration that the travel restrictions placed on his passport at land borders by the AGF and the DSS without a court order was illegal and unconstitutional.

He also wants a court declaration that the restriction violates his right to fair hearing as guaranteed in Section 36 of the Constitution and Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Act.

He contended that in spite of the pronouncement of a Kaduna State High Court, which discharged and acquitted him and his wife, Zeenah, on July 28, the government was still keeping their travel documents.

He claimed that while in custody, he suffered lead poisoning with 244 lead metals lodged in his body, while his wife was shot in the thigh.

The court has not assigned the suit to any judge.

Source: NAN

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The United States had explained that the killing of Soleimani was to avert war, but Iran had vowed to retaliate.

The situation has since created tension.

But on Tuesday, members of the Shi’ite group took to the streets of Abuja and burnt a United State’s flag.

Expressing sadness over the killing, the Shi’ite group said the United States had declared war on Iran by its action.

The statement issued by one of the leaders of the group, Ibrahim Musa reads:  “The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has received the very sad news of the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Soleimani and the Iraqi Commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, in US airstrike at Baghdad international airport today. We strongly condemn this provocative airstrike ordered by President Trump.

“The US killing of Soleimani is a “declaration of war” on Iran, which has now dangerously made the world on the edge of a very destructive war. For quite some time now, President Trump has been looking for ways to drag the Iranian nation into a senseless war.

“Indeed Hajj Soleimani will forever be remembered because he led the destruction of the murderous ISIS terrorism that the genocidal US regime created, trained, armed and sustained. He was an enigmatic General who led from the frontlines, and was an active supporter of the Palestinian freedom cause. He was an ardent anti-imperialist who gave the United States of America and their stooges in the region sleepless nights both in terms of ideas, and more importantly at the battle fronts that they prompted.

“The Islamic Movement sends condolences to both the leaders and peoples of Iran and Iraq for these colossal loses, and shares their grief at this trying moment. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Imam of our time Imam Mahdi (ATFS), the supreme leader Imam Khamenei and Ayatollah Sayyed Sistani for the Martyrdom of Hajj Qasim Soleimani and Hajj Abu Mahdi AlMohandis and all the Martyrs. Inna Lillah Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon.”

During the protest, the group called for the immediate release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who has been held since 2015 by the Department of State Service, DSS.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has described the protest as wrong, going by its timing.

The action of the Shi’ite group, NSCIA said could lead to loss of lives.

The position of NSCIA was made known by Aselemi Ibrahim who heads the group’s Media and Communication.

His words:  “Although, protests are an integral part of all civil democracies in the world, Council believes the timing is wrong as this could lead to loss of lives.

“The attention of the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs NSCIA, has been drawn to a planned solidarity “peaceful” protest by some Muslim youth in the Nigeria over the murder of a top Iranian commander, Gen. Sulaimani Qasim, in Bagdad by the United States of America.

“We appeal to these Muslim youth not to allow their emotions becloud them to the dangers of taking to the streets. We believe that the impasse between Iran and America can only be resolved through dialogue at the level of bilateral or multi-lateral diplomacy.

“We appeal to the law enforcement agency to be alive to their responsibility of protecting lives and property.”

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The position of the group was expressed on Saturday by its interim leader, Yakubu Yahaya, at a press briefing held in Katsina State.

Describing Shi’ite as a peace-loving group, Yahaya said the group would not allow itself to be used to destabilise Nigeria.

His words:  “Our doors are open for dialogue with the government and whoever wants to dialogue with us. Our doors are open anytime, without condition for dialogue. Because we understand the government, it is the government that doesn’t understand us. If they seek our hands of friendship, we are ever ready.

“We are peace-loving people. And we have no country other than Nigeria, so we won’t allow anybody to use us to destabilise the peace of the country.”

The leader said further:  “We are not fighting the government because we understand them but it is the government who is fighting and attacking us because they don’t understand our religion.

“Our religion permits us to rally during the observation of our various occasional events so if they agree that we have a religion they should allow us to practise our religion the way we understand it. If there is a law or verse from the Holy Book that prohibits our activities they should prove it to us.”

Shi’ite has been at loggerhead with security agents since the arrest of its leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky in 2015.

El-Zakzaky’s arrest followed the group’s clash with the military in Kaduna.

Several protests carried out by the group in different parts of the country, particularly, Abuja, to seek the release of its leader, have led to deaths.

The group was later outlawed by the Federal Government.

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Reports say the group would embark on the procession to mark the Day of Ashura, which is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.

It is observed annually by Shi’ite Muslims worldwide to commemorate the death of Husayn ibn Ali in the Battle of Karbala in Iraq.

Known as the third Shia Imam, Husayn was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and son of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shia Imam.

Husayn was said to have died during the Battle of Karbala, which was fought on October 10, 680 between his army and the army of the second Umayyad caliph Yazid I.

However, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has warned Shi’ites against going ahead with the procession.

Recall that the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had directed policemen to arrest all identified Shi’ite leaders across the country.

The IGP also directed a team of special police to dismantle the IMN structures in the country, vowing the police would not allow the Shi’ite group to violate its proscription by the court.

But IMN members have dared the police and insisted it would observe the Ashura procession on Tuesday.

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The government said the actions of the Shi’ite leader, El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, were embarrassing to the Federal Government of Nigeria and that of India.

According to the government, instead of allowing to be treated for illness as he had requested, he was seeking asylum and planning to relocate to another country.

“Having subordinated the quest for medical treatment to other ulterior motives, it became obvious that El-Zakzaky was focused on realising some sinister motives, thus the decision to return him to Nigeria,” the government explained.

The explanation of the Federal Government on the return of the sect leader to Nigeria is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Grace Isu Gekpe.

The statement is titled:  “The repatriation of Ibraheem El-Zakzaky from India.”

The statement reads:

The Federal Government wishes to inform the public about the latest development in the Ibraheem El-zakzaky medical trip controversies to India. The government notes with dismay the acts of misconduct exhibited by El-Zakzaky that necessitated his repatriation.

The earlier statement of August 14, 2019, by the government addressed the issues that would have raised some questions with the latest occurrences and particularly the uncelebrated return of El-Zakzaky from India.

The public may note that El-Zakzaky’s actions in India demonstrated malicious intents that were capable of embarrassing the governments of Nigeria and India. With total disrespect and complete loss of decorum for international procedures while in India, he initiated contacts with a team of lawyers led by Ali Zia Kabir Chaudary and Gunjan Singh in that country.

He also contacted some Non-Governmental Organisations, such as the Islamic Human Rights Commission and other Shiite groups. His aim was to seek asylum and eventually relocate to another country. It is important to note that if an Indian court had granted El-Zakzaky asylum or leave to travel to another country, it would have violated the Nigerian court order that granted him permission to travel for medical treatment.

However, he used the opportunity of being in India to attempt to internationalise his cause by mobilising the Rights groups. Even most unfortunate and rather embarrassing as earlier stated, was his quest to be relocated to a 5-Star hotel to receive visitors instead of being admitted in the hospital as a sick person he claimed to be.

In spite of his misconduct, El-Zakzaky’s spouse went further to antagonize the Indian and Nigerian security agents and accused the latter of killing her children. These acts were aimed at winning international sympathy as well as disparaging the Nigerian government.

Having subordinated the quest for medical treatment to other ulterior motives, it became obvious that El-Zakzaky was focused on realising some sinister motives, thus the decision to return him to Nigeria.

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The duo would leave the country today for India, where they would receive medical attention for an undisclosed health challenge.

They were arrested in December 2015 and have remained in DSS detention since, amidst reports of deteriorating health.

It would be recalled that a High Court in Kaduna granted the detained couple bail on Monday to enable them embark on the medical trip.

Meanwhile, 186 doctors from Pakistan, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq have written a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari concerning Sheikh El-Zakzaky’s physical conditions.

The letter published on Monday by Fars News, an Iranian news agency quoted the doctors as asking the Nigerian government to transfer him to a well-equipped hospital as soon as possible.

It was, however, not indicated whether the letter was written after a Kaduna High Court last week approved a leave for El-Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat, to seek medical attention in India.

Source: NAN

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The permission was granted by a High Court in Kaduna on Monday.

The permission was granted following an application to that effect by his counsel, Mr. Femi Falana.

The court, presided over by Dairus Khobo, however gave the condition that El-Zakzaky must be accompanied by officials of the Kaduna State government and the Department of State Services, DSS.

El-Zakzaky has been in detention since 2015 when his group clashed with the military in Kaduna.

Protests by members of his group, had at different times, led to loss of lives and properties.

The Federal Government has consequently declared the group proscribed as it labeled it a terrorist group.

The declaration by the government followed a court order to that effect.

The group is already challenging the proscription in court.

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The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly referred to as Shi’ite, has filed a suit for the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to vacate the order proscribing it after declaring it as a terrorists group.

The order proscribing the group was made by the court on July 26 following an application to that effect by the Federal Government.

The application of the government was sequel to the violent protests by the Shi’ite over the continued detention of its leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky since 2015.

The protests had led to loss of lives.

In its notice of motion filed on Friday by its counsel, Mr. Femi Falana, the group sought the court to vacate the “ex-parte order made on July 26, coram: N.E. Maha, J, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/876/2019 between: AGF vs. IMN proscribing the existence and activities of the group in Nigeria under whatever form, either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called or referred to.”

Similarly, it asked the court to set aside the order “restraining any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the IMN, under any other name or platform howsoever called or described in any part of Nigeria.”

Arguing on the need for the court to vacate the order, the group said that “the ex-parte order made on July 26, was made without jurisdiction, as the order was made against a non juristic body.”

It stated further:  “This honourable court on July 26, pursuant to an ex parte application brought by the IMN made an order, inter alia, proscribing the existence and activities of the group in any part of Nigeria under whatever form, either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called or referred to without affording the Respondent/Applicant the right of fair hearing.

“The said order of the honourable court breached the fundamental right of all members of the IMN in Nigeria to fair hearing guaranteed by Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004 in that no fair hearing was granted the applicant/respondent before the order was made.

“The order ex parte granted by this honourable court has violated the fundamental right of members of the Respondent to freedom of thought, conscience and religion guaranteed by Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.

“The order ex parte granted by this honourable court has breached the fundamental right of the members of the respondent to freedom of assembly and association guaranteed by Section of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.

“The honourable court did not grant the declaration ‘that the activities of the IMN in any part of Nigeria amounts(sic) to acts of terrorism and illegality.’”

The Shi’ite group argued further:  “No motion-on-notice was filed together with the motion ex-parte.

“The ex-parte order made by the honourable court has determined the fundamental right of the respondent/applicant without affording it fair hearing.

“No undertaking was made as to damages. The order ex-parte was anchored on misrepresentation of material facts and based on suppression of material facts.

“The order ex parte constitutes a gross abuse of the process of this honorable court.”

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In press statement issued on Wednesday, the president of the media forum of IMN, Ibrahim Musa, announced that the group had resolved to suspend the protests for the release of their leader.

He said the decision was based on a new opening in finding solution to the protracted conflict over the continued detention of its leader.

He added that the decision to stop the protest was, among other things too, to respect prominent Nigerians whose intervention, the group considered genuine.

But in a video released on Wednesday, El-Zakzaky’s daughter pooh-poohed the statement by Musa, as she argued that he could not speak for IMN.

She declared the decision to suspend the protests as unacceptable as she vowed that the group would continue its actions.

Her words:  “Even as I speak right now, earlier today, there was a protest in Abuja and there will be tomorrow.

“And there will continue to be on every weekday. I just wanted to clarify because I saw news agencies stating that spokesperson of this movement released the statement.

“First of all, the Islamic movement has no such thing as a spokesman. And the person who wrote this article (is) the chairman of the media forum; the media forum, just like the numerous forums we have in the Islamic movement, is just a forum that is there for people within that field to have their own space and activities within the Islamic movement.”

She added:  “This person (Musa) has nothing to do with the people organising this protest that have been going on in Abuja and will continue to go on till El-Zakzaky is freed.”

It would be recalled that following the violent protests by members of IMN, leading to loss of lives and property, the Federal Government secured an order of the court declaring the group proscribed.

The Federal Government has since made the proscription of the group official.

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