Shi’ite protesters aligned with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) stormed Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, demanding that President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) lift the travel ban on the movement’s leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El‑Zakzaky. The demonstrators, who identify as followers of the Shi’ite leader, called for the release of international passports belonging to El‑Zakzaky and his wife, Malama Zeenah, so they could undertake a medical trip.
Earlier on Thursday, a Federal High Court in Abuja rejected an application filed by Sheikh El‑Zakzaky seeking the Department of State Services’ (DSS) release of the passports. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that the cleric had failed to prove that his passports were missing, despite ten exhibits submitted by his lawyers alleging that the DSS confiscated them after his return from India in 2018.
During the protest, participants held banners and placards reading, “Buhari must remove the travel ban on Sheikh El‑Zakzaky.” Unconfirmed reports also indicated that shootings occurred at the demonstration. More details will follow.
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