Police parade 94 Shiite members in Abuja

FCT Police Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe has paraded 94 Shiite members over the killing of two policemen last Sunday in Wuse, Abuja.

The suspects were paraded at the premises of the Old Special Anti Robbery squad office in Guzape, Abuja.

Speaking to newsmen while parading the suspects, Igwe noted that the group stands proscribed and is banned from carrying out any form of procession or protest.

Among those paraded, was a 9-year-old boy and several young ladies.

Some of the items allegedly recovered from the protesters are Sharp Knives and Cutlasses, Katapaults, and Flags amongst others.

Police in Abuja on Sunday lost two officers, following a fierce encounter with members of the Shiite movement. The two officers were feared killed during the encounter, with others currently hospitalized, while the Shiite movement in a statement claimed many of their members had been shot dead by the police.

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According to police spokesperson,  SP Josephine Adeh, after the incident, “The FCT police command wishes to confirm an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, on some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by traffic light, where two police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three   Police patrol vehicles set ablaze.
 

According to the spokesman of the Islamic movement under the leadership of Sayyid Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky, Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, “Police attacked the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek in Abuja and killed numerous mourners.
 
“We wish to inform the public that police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja and killed numerous mourners. While trying to disperse the Arbaeen Trek, the police killed and injured numerous mourners.

“Presently, security agents are busy arresting the Arbaeen Trek mourners. Medical practitioners are attending to those critically injured, and details of those killed, injured, and arrested will be made available to members of the press in due course.
 
“Before the commencement of the trek, we have searched all participants to ensure no infiltration, and the programme will end as scheduled.
 
“The Arbeen Trek that was conducted yesterday at Masaka and Zuba axis ended peacefully and successfully.”