‘Indicted’ Shiites must face justice, Sharia council insists

•Movement alleges plot to thwart leader’s release
The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) yesterday declared that members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) indicted in the December 2015 clash with soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna State must face the full wrath of the law to check future unrest.

Describing the action as un-Islamic, the council in a communiqué issued by its chairman, Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun, contended that the boycott of the commission of inquiry by the Shiites was tantamount to admission of guilt.

He also cautioned Christian leaders against inflammatory remarks.He added: “From the delivered lectures, it has become obvious that Shi’ism is not Islam and Muslims should be knowledgeable with their religion so that they do not derail from the true teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Muslims should also respect all companions of the Prophet (SAW) and protect their reputation.

“The Council condemned in strongest terms the call by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to its members to take up arms to protect themselves. “Meanwhile, we call on all Muslims to be law-abiding and vigilant at all times.”

However, the movement has accused government of plotting to use the military in quelling agitation for the release of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, from detention.IMN spokesman, Mallam Ibrahim Musa, in a statement, said: “Reports reaching us indicate that some security operatives are planning to attack a handful of youths trekking from Zaria to Abuja demanding for the release of our leader who has been in illegal detention for the past eight months.

“Details of this sinister plan show that the unsuspecting youths will be attacked by some unscrupulous security operatives as they approach Abuja and some weapons will be claimed to have been found on them,” he alleged.