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

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has announced the temporary suspension of ‘Free Zakzaky’ protests by members of the sect demanding the release of their leader, Shiek Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, and his wife.

This follows a proscription order by a Federal High Court, banning all public activities and demonstrations of the group after claiming that it has been hijacked by extremists.

In a statement on Wednesday by its spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, IMN explained that the suspension of its protests was out of respect for eminent people and groups, who have genuinely waded into resolving the problems.

Musa said the movement suspended the protests in good faith and out of respect for eminent people and groups, whose inputs in the resolution of the problems appear genuine.

READ ALSO: Shi’ites head to court to challenge govt’s proscription order

He said: “If at all any protests occur anywhere in the country, it might be this notice hasn’t reach those in the field or this message is misunderstood or it is some security agents who are mischievously behind it as they have been doing in an attempt to smear our image and be seen as unruly people rather than as victims of savage oppression since 2015.

“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.

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