News

Buhari caught in Shiites’ protest at National Mosque

Published

6 years ago

May 25, 2019

Thousands of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shiites , blocked the roads around the National Mosque , Abuja, on Friday demanding the release of their leader , Ibrahim El – Zakzaky , and his wife , Zeenah , who had been in detention since 2015 .

President Muhammadu Buhari had come to the mosque to observe the Juma ’ at prayer, as part of activities lined up for the May 29 inauguration , when the Shiites and some youths marched around the mosque .
Our correspondent observed that the protest started around 1 pm and continued till 2 pm when the two rakat Juma ’ at prayers were called .

Policemen and soldiers from the Guards Brigade , however , prevented the Shiites from entering the mosque .
While inside the mosque, some worshippers, believed to be IMN members, chanted Allahu Akbar as prayers were being offered for the President and the country.

Caught in the Shiites ’ chants were also the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Mohammed , Kaduna State Governor , Nasir el – Rufai , and a few traditional rulers from Niger State and Abuja.

The President later left around 3 pm under heavy guard by military men armed to the teeth .
Buhari usually observed his prayers at the Presidential Villa Mosque , but came to the National Mosque as part of the Wednesday inauguration activities .

Speaking with journalists in front of the mosque, a spokesman for the Academic Forum of the IMN , Abdullahi Musa, said the protests would not stop until President Buhari release El – Zakzaky from detention .
He said , “ We are still here and if you like, you can come and kill us , we are ready to die. We have been killed , we have been oppressed and we have every right to challenge the oppressors . ’’
The FCT Police Spokesman , DSP Anjuguri Manzah , said , “ I don’ t have the details at the moment . I will call back . ”
But he had yet to get back as of press time .