Not less than 115 members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Shiites, were arrested and taken to custody following Monday’s protests in Abuja.
They were protesting the continued detention of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, whom the Nigerian government has kept in custody for over two years, without trial whilst ignoring court orders for his release.
Social media has since been agog with the footage of protesters with the Police.
The police had on Friday banned any protest at the Unity Fountain but this action has since been condemned as autocratic by rights activists and civil societies.
The Police have confirmed the arrests of the protesters.
“One hundred and fifteen (115) members of the sect were arrested at the scene by police operatives,” Abuja police spokesperson, Anjuguri Manzah, told journalists.
He continued, “contrary to speculations from some sections of the media, no life was lost in the violent protest.”
“The arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation,” he said.