Police arrest 97 suspects over Abuja attack, HURIWA urges prosecution

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), yesterday, confirmed arresting 97 suspects and recovering several weapons in connection with the attack involving members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shi’ite group, and police personnel in Abuja on Sunday. The disclosure was contained in a statement, Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/218 dated August 26, 2024, and signed by Force PRO, Force Headquarters, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja.

The spokesman said the arrest was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to hunt down the attackers, which left two police officers dead instantly and three unconscious.

He said the IGP had also reaffirmed the unalloyed zeal of the force to arrest the masterminds and bring the killers to justice, emphasising his commitment to maintaining law and order and resisting all sorts of anarchy and unrest in any part of the country.

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, he stated.

As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future recurrences of such violence against police officers,” the statement added.

SIMILARLY, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the arrest and prosecution of all culpable in the killing and attack of policemen in Abuja.

Its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, appealed in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

He expressed deep concern over the recent violent clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, and men of the Nigeria Police Force in the Wuse District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that this could be another Boko Haran if not well-handled.

The group criticised the confrontation, which occurred on Sunday, as it reportedly resulted in the death of two police officers, leaving others injured, and also leading to the destruction of police vehicles.

The statement reads in part: “While condemning the killing of the police officers, HURIWA emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are apprehended, prosecuted, and severely punished to deter future occurrences.”

Onwubiko sought a thorough investigation into the incident, stressing that the actions of those involved in the attack on the police are not only reprehensible but must be met with the full weight of the law.

He continued: “The clash has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from both the police and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

“According to the FCT Police Command, the attack on its personnel was unprovoked, with the Shi’ite group allegedly wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices, and other weapons during the confrontation.

“The police report indicated that the attackers set three police patrol vehicles ablaze and left three officers unconscious in the hospital.

“In contrast, the IMN, through a statement signed by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, denied responsibility for the violence, claiming that the police attacked their Arbaeen Symbolic Trek, a religious procession, and killed several mourners.”

HURIWA also pointed out that while the IMN maintains that their procession was peaceful and had been successfully conducted in other locations without incident, it advised the police against actions that could lead to the emergence of another extremist group similar to Boko Haram.

The organisation recalled how Boko Haram, originally a non-violent group, evolved into a deadly insurgency after the extra-judicial killing of its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, by the force.