By Amos Joseph Nigerian security forces reportedly disrupted a religious gathering in Abuja, drawing sharp criticism from the I...
By Amos Joseph
Nigerian security forces reportedly disrupted a religious gathering in Abuja, drawing sharp criticism from the Islamic movement in Nigeria, which accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of infringing on religious rights.
In a statement signed by Professor Abdullahi Danladi of the Resource Forum of the Islamic movement, the group condemned the disruption of the Nisfu Sha'aban programme—an annual celebration marking the birthday of Imam Mahdi (AF), the great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).
The event, held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Nigeria Airforce Investments Limited (NAFIL), Acade and Water Parks, Wuse District, Abuja, was meant to be part of global festivities observed by Muslims worldwide.
According to the statement, shortly after the programme commenced, a convoy of approximately 50 trucks carrying heavily armed personnel from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Army (NA), Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Magawata, arrived and cordoned off the venue.
"The security agents immediately started harassing the participants and insisted on the people there to disperse or face their wrath," the statement read. "They threatened to use excessive force on unarmed participants of a religious activity, without any provocation."
The security forces reportedly justified their actions by claiming the organisers had not secured permission from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police. However, Professor Danladi dismissed this explanation, arguing it violates constitutionally guaranteed rights.
"This claim contravenes the freedom of association as well as clear court verdicts which established that police permission is not a requisite for the peaceful association of citizens," he stated. "This unlawful and abrupt disruption with threats has inflicted trauma on the participants and caused financial and social damages."
The Islamic movement further called on President Tinubu and heads of security agencies to halt what it described as the continuous violation of their religious rights.
"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the heads of his security operatives should stop disruption of our religious programmes in FCT Abuja or any other place," Professor Danladi asserted. "We also demand for an immediate prosecution of all those involved in violating our religious rights."
Reaffirming the group's commitment to practicing its faith, the statement concluded: "We reaffirm our stand to do our religious duties and activities despite the harassment of the agents of oppression."
The Nigerian government and security agencies have yet to respond to these allegations.
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