By David Olalekan.
Reactions have trailed the proscription of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, following an ex parte order obtained by the Federal Government from the Federal High Court Abuja, proscribing the activities of the sect.
INSIDER earlier reported that Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Friday, ordered the proscription of the IMN, describing its activities in Nigeria as “acts of terrorism and illegality.”
The ruling prohibits any person or group of persons from participating in any form of activities involving or concerning the IMN under any name or platform in Nigeria.
Reacting to the ban, the Islamic Human Rights Commission of the United Kingdom (UK), condemned the move by the Federal Government, describing President Muhammadu Buhari’s government as cruel.
The Commission, in a statement issued yesterday by its leader, Massoud Shadjareh, titled “New levels of cruelty from the Buhari regime”, said: “If the reported proscription of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria is true, then this is a spectacularly cynical move on the part of the authorities.
“It is clear they wish to frustrate the growing pressure from inside Nigeria and around the world to release Sheikh El-Zakzaky and Mallima Zeenah.
“It is clear that the movement and its leaders are the innocents in this situation, and the Buhari regime the terroriser.”
Similarly, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, during his Saturday night broadcast on Radio Biafra, described the proscription of the IMN as a terrorist organization by the Federal Government as wickedness.
He said, “declaration of IMN as a terrorist organisation, with no action taken against the marauding Fulani Herdsmen who are killing people on a daily basis, the Federal Government has redefined wickedness and made it a national symbol of identification.”
Kanu lashed out at those silent over the proscription of the IMN and the IPOB, telling them to get ready for the worst, as more of such actions will come.
A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, in a tweet wrote: “The three biggest mistakes @MBuhari has made are:
“To proscribe IPOB and persecute its members.
“To proscribe IMN and persecute its members.
“To encourage the mass murder of Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen and refuse to declare them as terrorists.
“He will regret ALL three!”
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, also condemned the ban on the Islamic sect, describing it as “immoral and illegal.”