Scores of protesting Shiite members were dispersed by security operatives at the National Secretariat, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The protesters, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, gathered at the federal secretariat, Abuja, to demand the release of their spiritual leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who was arrested by the Nigerian government last year.
The Shiite leader has been in detention without trial since over 300 of his followers were killed by soldiers, in December, who accused them of plotting to kill the army chief. The Shiites deny the charge.
On Wednesday, the protesters were heard chanting “free our leader free El-Zakzaky.”
However, not long after the protesters gathered at the secretariat, security operatives fired tear gas to disperse them.
Muttaqa Kumasi, a member of the group, said they were at the secretariat to demand Mr. El-Zakzaky’s release.
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
TEXT AD: To advertise here . Call Willie +2347088095401...
![Lagos State Isolation centre Onikan [PHOTO CREDIT: The Africa Report.com]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2020/07/RTS37H50-1.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![FILE PHOTO: Bandits [Picture credit: Voice of America (VOA)]](https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/07/Nigerian-Bandits.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
JOIN THE CONVERSATION