A Nigerian court has granted the government permission to label the Muslim group popularly known as ‘Shiite’, a terrorist organisation.
Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) have been protesting in Abuja calling for the release of their leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015 despite a court order to release him.
Often times the protests have often turned violent and sour as it has sent people to their early graves. An IMN spokesman disclosed that a total number of 20 group members were killed during their demonstrations last week.
A spokesman for the IMN argued that the group is yet to receive any formal notice as regards the label and promised that protests would continue.
Zakzaky’s office disclosed that it was aware of the government’s intention to ban the movement since 2015 and it was not surprised by the move.
A court in the northern state of Kaduna is set to decide on Zakzaky’s bail application today. The Shi’ite group can appeal the order.