The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shi’ites, has accused Nigerian security agencies—particularly the police—of killing detained ‘Free Palestine' protesters in custody, following the violent dispersal of the International Quds Day protest held in Abuja on March 28, 2025.
At a press briefing held in Abuja on Tuesday, Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, who spoke on behalf of the movement led by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, alleged that at least 27 protesters have died.
According to him, 26 were killed during the initial security crackdown, while one more detainee, identified as Huzaifa Muhammad from Tudun Iya, Katsina State, reportedly died in custody on Monday, April 7, at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) detention facility in Guzape, Abuja.
“We recently received shocking news that Free Palestine protesters detained by the FCT Police Command since March 28 are dying in custody. Among those who recently passed away is Shaheed Huzaifa Muhammad, who attained martyrdom around 6 p.m. on April 7,”; Sheikh Mainasara stated.
The group condemned what it described as continued human rights violations against its members and called the deaths “crimes against humanity.”;
It also criticized what it sees as contradictions in the government's position, pointing out that while the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, publicly condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, security forces simultaneously launched a brutal crackdown on pro-Palestine demonstrations in Nigeria’s capital.
Sheikh Mainasara emphasized the movement’s intent to seek justice through legal action and prayer. “We will hold the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accountable for the deaths and illegal detentions. We vow to challenge every instance of human rights abuse in court,”; he said.
He reiterated the group's commitment to non-violent resistance, calling for the unconditional release of all detained protesters and demanding an independent investigation into the deaths.
The IMN has long organized Quds Day marches in solidarity with Palestinians, often clashing with Nigerian authorities, who have proscribed the movement.
