A ban on a Shiite Muslim group came after a court in Abuja ruled the government could classify it as a “terrorist organization.” The ban raises fears the group could go underground, posing serious security challenges.

Announcing a government ban on the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), presidential spokesman Garba Shehu accused the Shiite Muslim group of running “terrorist activities, including attacking soldiers, killing policemen, destroying public property and consistently defying state authority.”

IMN followers have been holding protests to demand the release of their detained leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky. At least 20 members of the group were killed over the past week in a series of demonstrations that have shown little sign of abating, increasing pressure on the government.

Zakzaky, a pro-Iranian cleric, has been in detention since 2015 despite a court order to release him. On Monday, a court adjourned his bail hearing until August 5.

Ibrahim Musa, a spokesman for IMN, has denied the government accusations. “All the people we interacted with know that we are not terrorists, because we don’t carry arms even during our processions,” he said.

More: https://www.naijiant.com/guestcolumn/nigerias-ban-of-shiite-muslim-group-risks-boko-haram-repeat/

I am typing

seriously if this issue is not handle with care we will have a big problem