Shiite leader, Zakzaky, jets out to Iran

The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, has departed Nigeria for Iran to take part in this year’s Mawlid celebrations.

A post shared on the movement’s official Facebook page on Saturday confirmed that the cleric is in Iran to join activities marking the annual “Unity Week,” which coincides with the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

According to the group, the event brings together prominent scholars and clerics from different Islamic traditions with the aim of strengthening unity across the Muslim world.
“Leader Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) travelled to Iran to attend the annual Unity Week, held during the days of the Mawlid of the Holy Prophet (S), with the aim of fostering unity among different schools of thought in the Islamic world,” the post stated.

Zakzaky, who has long been a prominent voice of the Shiite community in Nigeria, spent several years in detention following a violent confrontation between his followers and security forces in Kaduna State.

Since his release, he has largely kept a low profile, even as the IMN, proscribed by the Nigerian government, continues to face restrictions on its public processions.

Occasional clashes with security agencies have been reported when the group attempts to stage activities in line with its religious calendar.