Nigerian court allows authorities to label Shia group a ‘terrorist organisation’
A Nigerian court has granted the government permission to brand a local Shia group as a “terrorist” organisation.
The development was confirmed by the country’s solicitor general, Dayo Apata, a move that now gives authorities the green light to clamp down on the group.
The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) have been holding protests in Abuja, demanding for the release of their leader Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015.
The protests have often escalated into violence as the protestors clashed with security officers. Deaths have been reported.
Police in Abuja say the protests are violent and unruly.
Zakzaky was arrested in December 2015 in his home in the northern Kaduna state.
He faces charges of murder, culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, disruption of public peace, and other offences. He pleaded not guilty.
IMN remains defiant and says that it will continue holding its marches until Zakzaky is released.
