Police disperse Shi’ites Members With Tear Gas During Protest In Abuja

The police have dispersed a procession of members of the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria who trooped out to call for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

The protest started on Sultan Abubakar Road at about 1:55 p.m. Friday.

Despite the proscription of their activities, the Shi’ite members took to the streets of Abuja carrying flags which literally read “Welcome you Hussein, Free Zakzaky”.

Hussein is seen by the Shi’ites as their first imam.

Men of the Abuja police command shot in the air and fired tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters who soon joined other Muslim worshippers returning from Friday Jummat prayer.

The Shi’ites have continued to demand the release of their leader, ElZakzaky who has been in detention since Decmeber 2015.