Shi’ites bow to pressure, suspend ‘free Zakzaky’ protests

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria aka Shi’ites have announced the suspension of their daily protests demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

A statement signed and released by the head of the media department of the group, Ibrahim Musa, says the ”temporary suspension” is to allow the group challenge the proscription of its organization in court.

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria do hereby announce to the general public and the international community that it has temporarily suspended its Free Zakzaky street protests to allow for some new openings into the resolution of the problems, especially the court case instituted by our lawyers on the proscription order made by the federal government this week.

We sincerely hope an amicable way could be found to solve the crises surrounding the illegal detention of our leader for almost four years now.

The Islamic Movement wishes to thank both national and international civil rights activists and organizations who have been busy demanding the protection of our fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution.

“We also thank the press, both national and international, and the social media activists for the full coverage of our activities throughout the struggle for justice,” he said.

Recall that the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, on Tuesday July 30th, announced that activities of the sect has been banned forthwith. At a press conference held in Abuja, the police boss said any person that associates with the group shall be treated as a terrorist.

The Shi’ites have been staging street protests in various parts of the country, demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since December 2015.