The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has again petitioned the United Nations, the European Union and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), demanding among other things the unconditional release of their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, as ordered by the court, his wife and the release of other protesters unjustly detained by the state.



The group in a statement signed by Fatima Aliyu Adam of its academic forum and, made available to Blueprint, is also demanding for the prosecution of the three sons of their spiritual leader who were allegedly massacred by the Nigerian Army.

They also demanded for the prosecution of perpetrators of the killing of three biological sons of Sheikh Zakzaky and 31 others on July 25, 2014.

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawale had ordered El-Zakzaky and wife unconditional release from illegal detention and the award of compensation to them.

The statement reads: “You may recall that on March 16, 2013, during Jonathan’s regime, the operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) arrested our brother, Malam Haruna Abbas, at Aminu Kano International Airport upon his return from a foreign trip. Two other brothers, Ibrahim Hussaini and Adamu Suleiman, were also arrested at their respective residences. Ten years on, the three brothers have been detained unjustly and in violation of their fundamental human rights as citizens of Nigeria.


“In a similar fashion, on November 18, 2015, the Police arrested our brother Hassan Muhammad at his residence in Maigana Town, Kaduna State, and since then, Malam Hassan has been detained illegally for more than seven years (without trial).

“As a continuation of the state-targeted brutality by Jonathan’s regime, the Nigerian Army on July 25, 2014, extra judicially killed 34 members of the Islamic movement while on a peaceful procession in commemoration of the Annual International Quds Day in Zaria, as a show of solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people. Those killed by the Army include three (3) biological sons of our leader: Ahmad Ibraheem Zakzaky, Mahmud Ibraheem Zakzaky, and Hamid Ibraheem Zakzaky. It is on record that, in spite of the pleas and formal complaints made, the perpetrators of this heinous crime are still not prosecuted.

“You will also recall the military assault on brothers and sisters of the Islamic movement in December 2015, which led to the massacre of over One Thousand (1000) people, which included men, women, students, and children. This uncivilised act of state brutality against its citizens was carried out under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“The investigation and prosecution of the mastermind and executors of the Zaria Massacre in accordance with the provisions of Nigerian laws and relevant international conventions.”