Thousands gathered in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, for the funeral rites of four activists of the Islami...
Thousands gathered in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, for the funeral rites of four activists of the Islamic movement in Nigeria, whose remains were released following a court order issued by the Upper Area Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The deceased — Kabiru Usman, Huzaifa Muhammad Sani, Jafar Abdullahi and Uzairu Zakariya — were reportedly shot dead by soldiers during a pro-Palestine solidarity procession in Abuja on 28 March 2025. Their bodies had remained in the custody of security agencies and medical facilities until the court directed their release.
The burial took place at the Darur Rahma Cemetery in Dembo, Zaria, coinciding with 4 Rajab 1447 AH, and witnessed a massive turnout of mourners, including relatives, sympathisers, and followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.
In its ruling, the Upper Area Court, Abuja, presided over by Hon. Gambo Garba, issued an order compelling the Nigeria Police Force and several medical facilities — including the National Hospital Abuja, Wuse General Hospital, the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, as well as designated mortuaries — to release eight corpses in total.
Four of the bodies have now been interred, while the release of the remaining four is still pending compliance.
“We will not abandon the struggle” — Shuhada Foundation
The Chairperson of Mu’assatus Shuhada, Maryam Sani Argungu, stated that the deceased were victims of fatal gunshot wounds allegedly fired by soldiers during the Quds procession.
She explained that the foundation continues to provide welfare support to the widows and children of those who lost their lives.
“We recognise that the path to justice is often fraught with trials. Sheikh Zakzaky had forewarned us that arrests, detentions and killings may occur. Nevertheless, we remain resolute and will not abandon this struggle,” she said.
She further urged the authorities to ensure full compliance with the court order by releasing the remaining corpses without further delay.
Families React
Sabira Ibrahim of Suleja, widow of Uzairu Zakariya, expressed gratitude despite her grief:
“We thank Allah for His decree. Our prayer is that Allah grants him refuge among the martyrs.”
Her son, Bakir Uzairu, said the family is mourning but remains proud: “Although we feel the pain of his loss, we do not regret the path he chose. We believe it is a just cause.”
Muhammad Sani Suleiman, father of Huzaifa, added: “We are saddened by his departure, but we do not object to what Allah has destined for him. We pray that Allah accepts his martyrdom.”
Also speaking, Shamsiyya Usman Ali of Kaduna described Kabiru Usman as a patient and humble person: “I pray Allah surrounds him with mercy.”
Call for Justice
Followers of the Islamic movement vowed to continue lawful advocacy for justice and accountability, while reiterating their demand for the expeditious release of the remaining bodies, which they say have been withheld for several months contrary to the rights and dignity of the deceased and their families.
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