Police arrest 42 Shiites after violent protest in FCT

The federal capital territory (FCT) police have arrested 42 members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

The IMN members, popularly known as Shi’ites, were arrested after violent protests in the FCT on Tuesday.

Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson of the FCT police command, told NAN that the protesters are from Niger, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, and Kaduna states.

The police spokesperson said the suspects were found with charms, stones and some minor explosives.

She accused the Shi’ites of obstructing traffic and throwing stones and explosives at police operatives.

Adeh said police operatives successfully dispersed the protesters and brought the situation under control.

Commenting on the reports of casualties, she said none was recorded, adding that some protesters sustained injuries.

TheCable had earlier reported that many commuters were stranded in the FCT after soldiers clamped down on the Shi’ites.

The Shi’ites were said to be on an annual symbolic trek.