Members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria have dared the police that they will embark on their annual Ashura procession in Abuja and other major cities in the northern part of the country.
They added that they “are ready to sacrifice their lives” as did my Hussayn bn Ali who was killed Maharram 10th in the battle of Karbala in Iraq.
The Federal Government has proscribed the group while Inspector General of Police has also directed arrest of the leaders of the sect across Nigeria.
The IGP also ordered a special team of 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.
However, a top member of the group told Punch that its members would troop out from “cities and villages” in the 19 northern states and Abuja to mark its annual procession in memory of Imam Husayn (the third imam of Islam revered by Shi’ites).
Confirming the plan to move for the procession, the President, Media Forum of IMN, Ibrahim Musa, said some Shi’ites had already commenced the mourning procession in various cities, noting that no arrest had been reported so far.
He also said the IMN leaders and members had no plans to leave Nigeria or seek asylum in any country, noting that their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, had demonstrated love for Nigeria. Musa, who doubles as the Shi’ite spokesperson, stated;
“To date, there have been no arrests since we started the Ashura mourning procession in various cities and villages. We will join our Shia brothers worldwide in commemorating the killing of the Prophet’s grandson, Imam Husayn on the tenth of Muharram (Tuesday).
“Our leader, Sheikh Zakzaky, has demonstrated our love for our country. We would rather die here than leave since we are not criminals. Our procession will hold on Tuesday in Abuja and major cities in the North, Insha Allah.”
He stated the procession would be peaceful and hitch-free. When asked what they would do if confronted by the police, Musa said;
“Ours is a peaceful religious procession, that is why our women and children join us. So, if there is any confrontation, it is the government that may cause it, not us. We are ready to sacrifice our lives just as Imam Husayn did in Karbala. We are not going to war, we are going on a mourning procession which is a universal event on that day.”
