FCT police arrest 19 for ‘unlawful’ procession

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command had said it arrested 19 Shi'ite members protesting the withholding of Sheikh Ibraheem El-zakzaky's passport by the Nigerian authorities on Thursday in Abuja, The PUNCH reports.

According to the police, following the Federal High Court ruling over the release of El-zakzaky's passport, members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria numbering over 400 staged a protest in Abuja from the Federal High Court to Eagle Square, blocking roads, deliberately inconveniencing members of the public, especially commuters, and demanding the immediate release of their leader's International Passport.

The spokesperson for the FCT police command, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in a Thursday night statement obtained by our correspondent.

Adeh said, “Upon receiving distress calls from residents apprehensive of their safety, policemen were swiftly deployed to the scene to support officers already on the ground monitoring the procession.

“On sighting the reinforcement team, members of the IMN started throwing stones, Molotov cocktails, and other dangerous objects at the officers. The unlawful procession was dispersed using minimal force while 19 suspects were arrested and will be charged to court following due process of the law.”

Adeh further noted that the FCT command assures residents of its commitment to security, safety, and peace within the capital territory.

She added, “No untoward incident was recorded as observation and monitoring continued. The Commissioner of Police equally enjoins members of the public to be vigilant and make prompt rendition of calls/complaints through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, while the Public Complaint Bureau desk, could be reached on: 0902 222 2352.”