From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), yesterday, took to the streets of Abuja to demand the release of their leader, Sheikh El-Zakzaky, who has been in military custody since December 2015.
The protesters, who were mostly students, gathered in front of Eagle Square to demand the unconditional release of the detained leader.
They were, however, closely monitored by policemen from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command to ensure the protest does not go violent.
Similarly, a team of soldiers from the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army also patrolled the area to forestall any act of violence by the protesters who converged on the venue from different parts of Abuja, to carry out the protest.
Leader of the protesters, who is also the head of the Academic Forum of The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), S.I Ahmad, in his address, alleged that the incident which occured in Zaria between December 12-14,2015, was well planned to wipe out the movement in the country.
He said the insulation that the army embarked on the brutal operation was as a result of provocations due to the clash was not true as various independent investigations conducted by renowned and reputable human rights organizations have affirmed gross violations of human rights, other abuses and extrajudicial killings of members of the movement.
He said the group would continue to embark on peaceful protest until their leader is released.
When contacted, Public Relations Officer in charge of FCT police command, Anjuri Mamzah confirmed the student’s protest and said police were adequately deployed to maintain law and order and ensure miscreants did not hijack the protest to cause trouble in the city.