'Arrest protesting Shiite members, they are illegal' – Group tells Police

Ibrahim Idris, the inspector general of Police has been advised to immediately direct his him men to arrest all protesting Shiite members.

Torkuma Venatius, the national president, Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA) made the plea in Abuja on Saturday, October 8, 2016.

Recall that Governor Nasir el-Rufai had issued an order declaring the Movement in Nigeria (IMN) unlawful on Friday, October 7.

The IMN had made known it's intention to protest in Abuja and other major cities on Monday, October 10, citing the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum for the release of their detained leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky as the reason for the planned action.

But the Shiites have vowed to challenge the declaration of the Kaduna state government.

"Nigerians cannot continue to live under this increasing threat from the IMN", Torkuma said.

"Their demand that their leader who would likely be facing terror charges once arraigned in court should be released unconditionally is therefore not acceptable.

“We, therefore, urge the federal government to direct security agencies, particularly the police to arrest, investigate and prosecute anyone caught planning to or taking part in the protests since Kaduna state government has exposed them as operating illegally", he added.

Similarly, some Nigerians living in the United Kingdom have demanded the immediate and speedy prosecution of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.