The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of the Nigeria Police Force paraded members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, on Wednesday, August 28. The suspects were arrested in connection with a violent confrontation with security operatives in Abuja on Sunday, August 25.
The clash resulted in the deaths of three police officers. The suspects, including young men, women, and infants, were accused of being involved in the incident.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, detailed the events: “Six police personnel from various divisions stationed at Wuse market junction were suddenly and unprovokedly attacked by members of the proscribed sect, Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites. The officers were assaulted with dane-guns, machetes, IEDs, and stones. ASP Innocent Agabi and Inspector Alex Odeh were confirmed dead at Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, while four other officers remain in critical condition.”
Igweh added that the sect members also set ablaze three patrol vehicles and damaged one. Currently, ninety-four members of the proscribed sect linked to the attack are in custody.