Leave US Alone, Face Nigeria’s Security Problems, IMN Tells FG

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has asked the Federal Government to concern itself with tackling the mounting security problems rocking the nation, saying the sect’s demand for the freedom of its detained leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, is not Nigeria’s major challenge.
Members of IMN, otherwise known as Shiites, stated this, yesterday, in reaction to a fresh order by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, for the arrest and demolition of their structures nationwide.
A press release by the President of IMN’s Media Forum, Ibrahim Musa, also said the order by the police highest command contravenes the constitutional right of members of the sect to religious freedom.
The statement reads in part, “The IGP based this curtailing of our religious rights on alleged violent protests on July 22 that led to the death of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Umar Usman and a youth corps member, Precious Owolabi, and on the assertion that the Islamic Movement has been proscribed by the government.
“This recent order given on the eve of Muharram (first month in the Islamic calendar) this year underlines the intention of the government to continue this pattern of attacks against Shia Islam and prevent us from conducting all our Muharram religious mourning obligations.
“Already, a parade of a show of force by the Sokoto police command in dozens of vehicles has started in a neighbourhood with a large population of members of the Islamic Movement.