El-Zakzaky: Handle IMN protests with caution, NHRC tells FG

 

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, on Monday, urged the federal government to come up with appropriate political and legal approaches for the resolution of the lingering case involving the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and its leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah, made the call when members of IMN staged a protest in front of the headquarters of the Commission in Abuja.

Ovrawah said it was imperative for the Nigerian Police Force to exercise restraint in the handling of protests to prevent violation of rights and dignity of citizens.

She equally urged members of IMN to be peaceful and desist from using children and vulnerable persons while on protest, stressing that citizens must cultivate peaceful relations and assist government in maintaining law and order.

Recent clashes between members of the IMN otherwise known as Shiite Islamic sect, had resulted to loss of lives, with scores wounded, among whom included women and children.

The group have continued to protest against the continued detention of their leader, Sheik El-Zakzaky, against an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja which declared his over two years detention as illegal and ordered his immediate release.

FG had insisted that the IMN leader was kept in protective custody following intelligence reports at his disposal.