In a controversial incident that has sparked outrage, Nigerian police arrested hundreds of Shia citizens, including a breastfeeding mother and her 3-month-old infant, during a religious ceremony in the capital, Abuja, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sayyeda Fatima al-Zahra, daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them, Ripples Nigeria reported on Tuesday.
Local media reported that Shia community representatives stated on Monday night that the arrests were conducted without any legal justification. They claimed that the participants were preparing to leave peacefully when security forces intervened violently. Most of those detained were women and minors, including the infant, and there was no provocation from the gathering.
Eyewitnesses estimated the number of detainees at around 200, describing the incident as the latest in a series of violations targeting followers of the Ahlulbayt in Nigeria. Activists argue the arrests constitute a blatant breach of constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful assembly.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from religious and political groups as well as human rights organizations in Nigeria. They have called for accountability for the random arrests and emphasized the need to safeguard civil rights in the country.
