Police have dispersed a procession of proscribed Shiite members popularly known as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) who were out to call for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
The protest started Friday in the afternoon at Sultan Abubakar Road. The protesters carried two flags: red and black chanting: “Labaika yah Hussein. Free Zakzaky.”
Police had earlier issued a warning in reaction to the group’s plan to hold its yearly Arbaeen procession, saying:
“Since it is proscribed, the police as a law enforcement agencies won’t sit and look at people take the laws into their hands.”
A team of police officers followed the protesters behind, shooting in the air and firing tear gas.
The procession later faded out as the protesters joined other Muslim worshipers.