Tension as security operatives disrupt Shi’ite Maulud celebration in Abuja

Tension escalated in Abuja on Wednesday as security operatives disrupted a Shi’ite religious gathering organized to mark the Maulud celebration, an event commemorating the birth of Imam Mahdi, a revered figure among Shi’a Muslims worldwide.

The gathering, organized by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Sayyid Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, was set to take place at the Nigeria Airforce Investments Limited venue in the nation’s capital.

However, shortly after the event began, a convoy of approximately 50 trucks carrying heavily armed personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the venue, cordoning off the area. The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Magawata.

The security forces ordered the immediate dispersal of attendees, citing the lack of permission from the FCT Commissioner of Police as the reason for their intervention.

In response, the Shi’ites rejected the claim, arguing that police authorisation is not required for peaceful assembly, as affirmed by Nigerian courts.

Professor Abdullahi Danladi, the Coordinator of the IMN Resource Forum, condemned the security operation and called for accountability from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top security officials. He decried the harassment faced by their members and alleged that the disruption caused emotional trauma and financial losses.

“The security agents immediately began harassing the participants, insisting that they disperse or face their wrath. They threatened to use excessive force against unarmed attendees without any provocation,” Danladi told journalists.

He described the disruption as unlawful, noting that it violated the freedom of association enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and upheld by court rulings.

“The pretext for this unlawful disruption is that the organisers did not obtain permission from the FCT Commissioner of Police. This claim contravenes legal precedents that establish police permission is not a prerequisite for peaceful assembly,” he added.

The group demanded an end to what it termed the “harassment and oppression” of its members and called for the prosecution of all those responsible for violating their religious rights.

“We demand the immediate prosecution of all those involved in violating our religious rights. We reaffirm our commitment to performing our religious duties and activities despite harassment from agents of oppression,” Danladi declared.

Despite the disruption, the Shi’ite group vowed to continue its religious observances and resist any attempts to suppress their freedom of worship.